Bobbie Joe "Bobby" Bailey

Bobbie Joe Bailey, age 83, passed away peacefully early Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the son of the late Robert Houston and Stella Laura (Peak) Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mandy Noel Bailey; sisters, Mary Carter and Lee Shamblin, twin sister, Betty Jean Bailey; brothers, Howard Bailey and Eddie Bailey; and in-laws, Martin and Janie Christian; two nephews that were like his own children, Kenny Miller and Chris Miller.

Bobby Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army and the Army Reserve. During his military career, he served on the front lines of the Vietnam War and was stationed at different places from Fort Benning, GA; Gestion, Germany; to Oklahoma. He received numerous medals for his service, including the Purple Heart. Bobby Joe always had a special place in his heart for veterans and those less fortunate. Not only was Bobby Joe a protector of our country but more so, to his family. His love for his wife, Evelyn, was unconditional. Evelyn was his world and he was hers. Their love for one another had a huge impact on their children and grandchildren.

Bobby Joe enjoyed watching NASCAR, Tennessee football, Gunsmoke, and old western movies. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, gardening, playing cards, listening to Bluegrass music, going to the beach, and visiting Cades Cove. His favorite times were spent camping with his family and enjoying cookouts. Family meant everything to him. Bobby Joe never met a stranger; he was always lending a hand to others in need.

A master diesel mechanic by trade, Bobby Joe retired from Ryder Truck Rental and Penske Trucking after many years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Evelyn Elizabeth Bailey, of Rogersville; daughter, Lisa Bailey Fugate, of Rogersville; sons and daughter-in-law, Bobby O. Bailey, of Rogersville, Brad and Ruth Bailey, of Covington, GA; grandchildren and their spouse: Keshia Fugate, of Rogersville; Casey Fugate (Malinda Dyer), of Church Hill; Christina and John Barker, of Covington, GA; Ben Bailey (Shannon McQuaid), of Gainesville, GA; Christopher Bailey, of Athens, GA, and Trinnity Bailey, of Rogersville; great-grandchildren, Dalton Barker and Sophia Barker, of Covington, GA, and Dwight Dyer and Lucas Dyer, of Church Hill; sisters-in-law and their spouse, Phyllis Thorpe, Dana and Ken Horne, Florence and Danny Helton; brothers-in-law and their spouse, Joseph Christian, Kyle and Chris Christian, and Lawrence and Katie Christian; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Christian-Sells Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm in the chapel with Brad Bailey officiating.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Surgoinsville. Online condolences may be sent at www.christiansells.com.