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Donald Bailey Obituary
Don was born in Newport News and was a 1938 graduate of Newport News High School and the Shipyard Apprentice School. Don graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BA degree in history. He was a WWII Army Veteran, serving in the Philippines. Don retired from Sears & Roebuck in 1985, after 33 years of service, receiving top salesman awards.
He was a winsome, likeable and natural comedian, who loved people and service to the Lord. A member of Temple Baptist Church, he was a deacon chairman, head usher, Sunday school teacher and director. Don distributed Bibles as a member of the Gideons International.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Polly Bailey; one son, the Rev. Tom Bailey of Newport News; two nieces; Barbara Werner, Betty Nelson and husband, Ron; great-niece; Cory Greene; four great-great nieces; one great-great nephew; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bailey.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, at Temple Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. D. Lynn Hardaway.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church Building or Mission Fund, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601 or Gideons International Fund.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bailey
5 Entries
Temple Baptist Church
October 2, 2008
Polly and Tom:
Your Temple family and staff still grieves the physical loss of Don but rejoiceses as we continue to think about what God did through Don for so many years, in so many ways, and in so many people.
God used Don to bring spiritual awareness about Him, physical awareness about who Jesus was and laughter for our weary souls.
Praise God, we will once again be together soon with our heavely Father, dining at His table and joined with our friends and family who have been saved and gone before us.
If we get to heaven before you, we will hug Don for you!
Our love to both of you always,
Temple Baptist Church and Staff
Alice Rich
September 25, 2008
Tom, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I know you are rejoicing at his new heavenly home. God Bless you all. Coach & Alice Rich (WHS class of 68)
Daria Morris
September 24, 2008
To Polly and Tommy
I am sorry about your loss. I will always remember Mr. Baily's most pleasant smile all those years I was @ Temple Baptist. I will keep you both in my prayers during this time. May you have peace and may God be with you.
September 19, 2008
Tommy, sorry to hear of your father's passing; but happy to know he is in a better place. I hope he has already met my mom and dad!! My prayers are with you and your family during this time. Grace and Peace,
Sharon Wiseman Porter (WHS Class of 68)
Terri, Dee and the whole EZ-Vest Realty Family
September 19, 2008
To Tom and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and Prayers.
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Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
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