Richard C. Hagler

The family and many friends of noted Columbus trial lawyer Richard C. Hagler mourn his passing on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from complications of leukemia. He was 70 years old and died in the embrace of his wife, Tasca, with friends near, at his home in The Historic District.

Richard was a native of Buena Vista, Georgia, the son and second child of Carlton and Emily Hagler. Educated in the Marion County public schools, he graduated salutatorian of his high school class. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in Political Science from the University of Georgia in 1974 and a Juris Doctor from the Lumpkin School of Law at the university in 1977. His status as a Double Dawg was a source of pride to him and he was a fervent member of the Bulldog Nation. He began his practice of law as an assistant district attorney in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit where he acquired and perfected the forensic skills which carried him to a distinguished career throughout the state and the southeast. He established a private practice on July 15, 1983 and was an active member of the firm he founded until his death. Despite great demands on his time and energy from his duties to the courts and his clientele, he served as chair of the Columbus Golf Authority for many years and played a leading role in establishing Oxbow Meadows Golf Course in South Columbus, bringing the sport to an underserved community and encouraging all interested people to see golf as accessible and rewarding. He loved the sport of golf and he and Tasca traveled widely, including a round at The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He was also an avid hunter and enjoyed shooting upland birds with his nephew, Austin Williams and close friends Sam Oates, Hudson Garrett and the late John Fortenberry.

Richard served on several professional boards to include director on the board of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was the Columbus Division Representative on the Board of the Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia and worked to deliver effective, quality legal defense to indigents charged with criminal offenses. Having been an Eagle Scout, he enjoyed serving on the local board of the Boy Scouts as well as other community boards to include Historic Columbus Foundation, and the Historic District Preservation Society where he served several terms as President.

Despite worldwide trips he was happiest at home with Tasca and their many rescue dogs. Although he enjoyed an indisputably high manner of life, he would be quick to describe himself as a good old boy and preferred the meals Tasca prepared for him at home to all the stars in the Michelin galaxy. He never hesitated to say she made his life happy. Dining out for him was the counter at the uptown Country’s BBQ and the meetings of the Fish House of which he was a longtime member.

In his practice, he especially enjoyed his cases in the rural counties and would always go by his family owned grocery store when his duties took him to the Superior Court in Marion County. It was a sight to behold to see an impeccably dressed lawyer standing at the end of a checkout line bagging the groceries of customers he had served since he was a boy and talking with his father who ran the register and his younger brother who also worked there. Having done it since childhood, it was natural and uplifting for him.

Having been saved and baptized at an early age, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Judge Tasca Williams Hagler; brother-in-law, Fred Williams and nephew Austin Williams of Ponte Vedra, Florida,  brothers, Dr. James R. Hagler (Kay) and Charles Hagler (Sally) of Buena Vista, Ga, sister, Ann Hagler of Columbus, Ga., nephews, James Hagler Jr. (Amy) of Cochran, Ga. and Carlton Hagler (Harlowe) of Seattle, Washington, nieces, Jennifer Brandon (Howard) of Madison, Ga., Meredith Bryan (Adam) of Fortson, Ga, Devan Hagler (Tyler Croft) of St. Simons Island, Ga. and great nephews and nieces Sydney Rose Sandoval, Raleigh Hagler, Anna-Kay Hagler and Evie Brandon.

A service in celebration of and appreciation for his life among us will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 3:00 PM. Dr. Jimmy Elder and Rev. Chuck Hasty will conduct the service and members of the Columbus Bar Association are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be made to First Baptist Church 212 12th Street Columbus, Ga. 31901, Grace Presbyterian Church7211 Britton Drive Columbus, Ga. 31904 or Animal Ark Rescue 2509 Manchester Expy Columbus, Ga. 31907.