John Carl Dagley, PhD, 76, of Auburn, Ala., died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga., following an accident. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Peggy, his sons, Ryan Dagley of Atlanta, Ross Dagley (Jenna) of Maui, Hawai’i, his daughter Reghan (Joseph) of Atlanta, three grandchildren (Morgan, Chase Dagley and Saxon Dagley, as well as another grandson, expected in February) and two brothers Dale Dagley (June), Villa Park, Calif., and Duane Dagley (Barb), Dawsonille, Ga. John was born in Newton, Ill., on Oct. 3 to Mary and Howard Dagley. He leaves behind numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Dagley was an accomplished professor, psychologist and counselor, beginning his academic career at Culver Stockton College. In 1972, following the completion of his doctorate from the University of Missouri, John came to the University of Georgia. His tenure in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services spanned more than 30 years, and during that time he helped found the Counseling Psychology PhD program, coordinated the school and the community counseling programs, served on the Marriage and Family Certificate Program faculty and from 2000-2003, served as the Department Chair. John spent the next decade of his career at Auburn University stewarding their Counseling Psychology PhD program and continuing to mentor students and administer clinical training. From Auburn, John spent three years at the University of South Alabama at the end of his career. John also served several international academic institutions, including Jvaskyla University in Finland, Korea University (Seoul), Boston University's Overseas Program in Germany and University of Buffalo SUNY - Singapore Program. John leaves behind many individuals from past positions who called him a mentor, colleague and friend. His enduring integrity and fierce commitment to providing honest and impactful mentoring to those with whom he worked is reflected in the scores of counselors and psychologists who carry a piece of John in their daily work with those in need of their services.
John was also committed to providing service to his community and his country. He served as the president of the Little League, as a Boy Scout Troop leader and as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, serving individuals impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Additionally, John served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard for four years.
John can best be remembered through the Albert Schweitzer quote: “The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
John's family has communicated that in lieu of flowers, contributions honoring John may be made to Culver Stockton Collegeopens in new window. (Follow the "give" link.) A memorial service was held Thursday, Nov. 1, at 2:00 pm at Athens First United Methodist Church.