Pete Bailey

BAILEY, Jr., Pete

Pete Bailey, Jr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on July 4, 2025, at the age of 79. Pete spent his final days at his Lake Oconee home, surrounded by the love of his family. True to his character, Pete held on with strength and purpose to celebrate one more Fourth of July with them, adding a lasting memory to what has always been a special day for their family. A Christian man of great strength, deep loyalty, and a "never quit, never lose" attitude, Pete lived his life with relentless determination and a full heart that touched everything he built and everyone he loved.

Pete was born on March 28, 1946, in Dalton, Georgia, to his loving parents Julia Bailey Rogers and Harris "Pete" Bailey. His early years were defined by a deep passion for football, which instilled in him the grit and determination that shaped the rest of his life. As a starting linebacker for the NC State Wolfpack from 1965 to 1969, Pete was a standout on and off the field. His love for the game stayed with him throughout his life as he proudly wore his ACC championship ring.

Pete carried the same energy from the gridiron into his career in real estate development. He was a visionary in recognizing the potential of raw land, and understood that golf could be used to bring people together and create communities in places that mattered. He brought that vision to Lake Oconee, where his love for the area led him to develop the lake's first golf course, Port Armor Golf Club, now known as The Landing Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee.

Pete later became the founding developer and co-owner of Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, a course designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore after Pete met Ben on an airplane shortly after purchasing the land. Pete later drew on that connection to build another nationally renowned Coore-Crenshaw course at Old Sandwich Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Pete also played a key role in developing Jennings Mill Golf Club in Athens, Georgia, and Blue Ridge Golf and River Club, now known as Old Toccoa Farms in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Pete did not just build communities - he lived in them. He spent countless days at Lake Oconee walking the land, navigating the water, and creating the kind of moments that define a life well lived. Later in life, he moved to Sea Island, Georgia, where he took great pride in being a founding member of Frederica Golf Club. Pete was extremely gratified that future generations will continue to live, gather, and make memories in the communities he brought to life.

Pete's Christian faith was central to his life. He was an Elder at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, and began each morning by reading his Bible. He led by example, grounding his family in faith, gratitude, and resilience while letting scripture guide how he treated others and conducted business. Lou and Pete's home in Atlanta was warm and welcoming, filled with laughter, good food, and friends who became family.

Pete was the ultimate "girl dad," and his twin daughters, Julia and Jessica, were the joy of his life. He loved coaching them at Tophat Soccer games, cheering them on at Holy Innocents' tennis matches, and playing bingo with them in Sea Island. He enjoyed swimming with them in the Cherokee pool in Atlanta, boating them around Lake Oconee, and he made even the simplest moments feel magical. Everything he did with his daughters was filled with love as he gave them a childhood full of warmth, fun, and lasting memories.

Above all, Pete's greatest legacy was the deep and unwavering love he had for his wife, Lou, and their twin daughters. His devotion to Lou, Julia, and Jessica was evident in every part of his life. He was their rock, their protector, and their biggest fan. This past May, he welcomed his first granddaughter, Adeline, into the world and cherished the moment with pride and joy.

Pete is survived by his wife, Lou Green Bailey; his daughters, Jessica Burkitt Bailey and Julia Bailey Gillogly; his son-in-law, Bennett Frederick Gillogly; his granddaughter, Adeline Margaret Gillogly; his brothers, John Robert "Bob" Rogers (PK) and Wilbur Moate "Bill" Rogers (Gina); and many beloved family members and dear friends.

Pete's family will hold a private memorial service at Lake Oconee. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM at Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

In honor of Pete's lifelong love for his dogs, Bailey, Oconee, and Wally, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia (https://hsscg.org) in Brunswick, Georgia, or the Lake Oconee Humane Society (https://lohspets.org) in Greensboro, Georgia.

McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.