Lawrence Alfred (Buck) Gohagan Sr., born March 17, 1934, died from complications of COPD on January 13, 2012.

Buck is a Navy veteran who participated in atomic bomb testing at the Bikini Islands. Under Gov. John Patterson, Buck was one of the first water safety patrolmen for the state of Alabama Department of Conservation. His passion for flight began at Atmore Flying Service; he later became the owner/operator of AAA Flying.

He was an avid fisherman, until his health prevented him from going. He loved the Forever Wild lands; a tribute from his son Eric – “To all the men and women who fish and have kids, take them fishing. Teach them respect for others and teach them to have the morals of the old times. The world lost another great fisherman. I knew him my whole life. I look back and wish that I would have learned more of the hot spots he knew.  But we will continue to tell all the great stories he told us to our children. Take in all the fresh air and fill your lungs up every day with Heaven’s air and catch a big one up there for us!”

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Alfred Gohagan and an infant son; his parents, Argene and Della Mae Parker Gohagan; brother, William Harold Gohagan.

Buck is survived by his wife of 44 years, Regina Bailey Gohagan; children, Belinda Kay (Joe Frank) Wooten, Lawrence Gohagan Jr. Larry (Kambi) Gohagan, Charles Eric (Teresa) Gohagan, Emily Marie (Jeff) DeRidder, Kristen Elizabeth (Michael) Branch; grandchildren, Chad Wooten, Brad Wooten, Shane McGhee, Kyla Gilman, Carlee Gohagan, Cayla Gohagan, Christina Gohagan, Kenzie Gohagan, Haley Hadley, Codey Hadley, Micheal Fox, Nikki DeRidder, Samantha DeRidder, Amy Branch, Bailey Bass, Sarah Branch, and Jaxson Branch; great-grandchildren, Casey Lane Wooten, Cade Wooten, Daylon Wooten, Raylee Wooten, Brandy Wooten, Kelton Wooten, Brooke McGhee, and Trey McGhee; sisters, Dorothy Jean (Joe) Bolton and Sibyl (Farrell) Brown; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; a best friend and neighbor, Gary Helton.

Active Pallbearers will be Trey McGhee, Brad Wooten, Andrew Bell, Codey Hadley, Micheal Fox, and Bailey Bass.
Honorary pallbearer will be Casey Lane Wooten.

Visitation was from 2 until 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at McCullough Cemetary with Bro. Byrd Mapoles and Elder Marion Johnson officiating. Military flag honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars. Special music provided by Buck’s friends Wayne and Cornelia Presley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideon Bible ministry or to the family.