Milton Preston Hagins

Milton Preston Hagins, 94, of Randolph, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born on April 5, 1931, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Milton was the youngest of four children born to Grant Brooks Hagins and Lou Bertha Hagins. His parents and siblings preceded him in death. He grew up in Tuskegee, attending Lewis Adams Elementary School and Tuskegee Institute High School, now part of the Tuskegee University campus.

After high school, Milton attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Livingstone College Alumni Association, coordinating informational programs and fundraising events that inspired students to attend Livingstone and helped provide scholarships to those in need.

Milton proudly served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge.

In 1958, while living in Boston, Milton met the love of his life, Jimmye Lou Smith. They married in 1959 and shared 64 beautiful years together, raising three sons: Richard, Leon, and Carl. The family first lived in Boston before settling in Randolph, Massachusetts, where Milton resided for the remainder of his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jimmye Lou, and his son, Richard.

Milton dedicated more than 30 years to the Boston Public School System, most of them as a guidance counselor at James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury. He often spoke of the joy he felt when reconnecting with former students and seeing the success they achieved.

Deeply rooted in his faith, Milton was a devoted and active church member throughout his life. At St. Mark Congregational Church, he sang in the choir, served on the trustee board, and led a successful fundraiser to purchase a new organ. Later, at Columbus AME Zion Church, he continued his service as a trustee and was a constant presence at church events-often cooking and preparing food for members. He especially enjoyed providing refreshments for fellowship gatherings after services, helping to foster a sense of community. One of his greatest joys was greeting members and visitors on Sunday mornings, offering a warm smile and kind words that made everyone feel welcome.

Milton's life was defined by service-to God, to his family, to his country, to his church, to his community, and to every student and friend he encountered. He lived with a positive spirit and by three simple rules: love God, work and study hard, and be kind.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Leon Hagins of Randolph, MA, and Carl Hagins of Charlotte, NC; his daughter-in-law, Christa Hagins; his grandson, Grant Hagins; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched.

Milton will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation period on Saturday, August 23rd, from 9:00 – 9:30 AM in the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 No. Main St., Randolph. A Funeral Service will begin at 9:30 AM in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society in Milton's honor/memory.

For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.