Leotis Bailey

Leotis E. Bailey EDENTON - Leotis Elwood "Dick" Bailey, 82, passed away Monday, May 18, 2009, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Goodwill, W.Va., May 14, 1927, to Elmer and Edna Bailey. Mr. Bailey served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy for 21 years and retired in 1965 as a machinist mate first class petty officer. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, he began working with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth as a planner/estimator, before retiring in 1986 after 20 years of service. Dick was a member of Fleet Reserve Branch 293 in Elizabeth City, N.C., and Bandon Chapel in Arrowhead Beach. He always loved spending time around home, watching a good NASCAR race, or just enjoying the simple things of life. He will be fondly remembered by all for his gentle spirit, kindness, and devotion to his family. Mr. Bailey is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Noma C. Bailey of Arrowhead Beach; his stepmother, Mildred Bailey of Elkhart, Ind.; two sons, Ronald Bailey and wife Barbara of Virginia Beach and Larry Bailey and wife Nancy of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; one daughter, Shelia Cejka and husband Terry of Newport News; two brothers, Marshall Bailey and wife Jean and Darrell Bailey and wife Sally, both of Elkhart; three sisters, Janice Hume and husband Ed of Prescott, Ariz., Debbie Murphy and husband Greg of Huntersville, N.C., and Elizabeth Diane Lyndon and husband Rick of Carmel, Ind.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Bandon Chapel in Arrowhead Beach, N.C., by Pastor Kenneth Wallace. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. A graveside service with military honors by the U.S. Navy and the Mercy County Veterans Council will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Bluefield, W.Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bandon Chapel, 200 Bandon Road, Edenton, NC 27932. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.