Joshua James Bailey

Joshua James Bailey, 18, passed away happy and doing what he loved on Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Crystal River, FL. Josh had spent the day of July 3 as he would spend most days, surrounded by family, friends and those closest to him.

In the end, Josh entered the waters of Crystal River that he loved so much for one last swim, but instead of coming up for air, this time he bid farewell to all things earthly and swam through the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

To us, Josh is gone far too soon, but we know that The Lord's plans are not our plans, nor His ways ours, and we are comforted in the fact that The Lord's plans never falter. We find peace in knowing that Josh is reunited with his Uncle Guy and Uncle Jeremiah, all angels of Heaven that will forever provide a guiding light to those that were lucky enough to know them. Let us not be sad, for Josh is not sad, but let us be grateful that our lives were touched by his presence and the gift of his life.

Josh was born in Inverness, FL, on January 29, 2004 and lived with his family in Crystal River, FL. He had just graduated with Cum Laude honors from Crystal River High School as a member of the 2022 Senior Class and would attend Central Florida Community College in the Fall to study business. While in high school, he excelled in sports, which included football, baseball, track & field, weightlifting, and wrestling. He was passionate about the outdoors, and especially loved being on the water, fishing, and hunting. Josh was full of life, loved people, and if he was not at school, playing sports, or working at Twin Rivers Marina, you surely would find him with friends or family filling every moment with joy. His smile was contagious, his personality would light up the darkest of rooms, he was mature beyond his years, and he treated everyone with the utmost respect and kindness.

Josh was a loving son and grandson, a brother, an uncle, and a nephew. He was a friend to many and a rock to lean on. He impacted countless lives, and his memory now lives on within all of those that he touched.

He is survived by his loving family: Parents, James Bailey Jr. and his mother, Loretta Redrick and her husband, Scott Redrick, MD; Brothers: Titus Bailey, Buck, and Alex Redrick; Sisters: Olivia Bailey, Elisa Willis and husband, Eric; Hayley and Gabby Redrick; grandparents: Pam Harris and husband, Steve; Richard Lambright and wife, Patricia; grandmother: Mary Redrick; grandparents: James Bailey Sr. and wife, Susan; Diane Beebe and husband, Greg; two nephews: John and Sam; many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

There is a Celebration of Life scheduled for Sunday, July 17, 3:00 PM at Gulf To Lake Baptist Church in Crystal River with Pastor Lloyd Bertine officiating. Burial will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Floral City, FL. Visitation will be at the church from 1:30 PM until services begin.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research in Tampa, FL "in memory of Josh Bailey." For donations, visit lionseyeinstitute.org/make-a-gift.

Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, FL assisted the family.