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Charles Bailey Obituary
GREENWICH - Rev. Dr. Charles "Chuck" Bailey died peacefully Saturday morning, December 21, 2024. Chuck was a long-time area pastor and professor who will be remembered and missed by many.
Chuck was born in Logan, WV in 1940 to parents Claude and Eunice Bailey. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Bob Jones University, Master's from Roosevelt University, and PhD from the University of Virginia.
He married Deborah McFarlen on June 15, 1968. They moved to upstate New York in 1972 from Charlottesville, VA, where Chuck had accepted a teaching position at Adirondack Community College (now SUNY Adirondack). He also began to pastor the Fort Miller Reformed Church, where he preached and ministered to many for 42 years, retiring in 2014. In 2016, due to an impairment from a TBI, Dr. Bailey retired from teaching after 44 years at SUNY ADK as a distinguished professor of German, Comparative Religion, and European History.
Chuck enjoyed traveling frequently with his family, living in England, Germany, France, and Austria. He loved to perform magic tricks for his grandchildren. His passion for books led him to amass a small library of over 3,000 vintage books that he sold privately online and at antique sales. In the past five years, he made three cross-country RV trips with his sons to visit his hometown in West Virginia, his roots in Minnesota, and his family in Tennessee.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah Bailey of Greenwich; his three sons, Christopher Bailey of Wilton, Peter (Jen) Bailey of Cambridge, Jeremy (Danielle) Bailey of Schuylerville; his sister, Kay (Charles) Shafer of Kingsport, TN; niece, Shawna Shafer of Kingsport, TN; nephew, Dan (Laurie) Shafer of Flushing, NY; and his seven grandchildren, Isabelle (Andrew) Westerman, Mara Bailey, Emily Bailey, Eden (Fritz) Knecht, Ian Bailey, Anna Bailey, and Campbell Bailey.
Arrangements are in the care of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Argyle, NY 12809.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Argyle Presbyterian Church, 48 Main St, Argyle, NY on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11 a.m., with calling hours beforehand from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The service will be streamed on the Argyle Presbyterian Church YouTube channel for those unable to attend. A private burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Fort Miller. All are invited to stay for a reception at Argyle Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, 846 Route 29, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and Washington County Young Life, PO Box 253, Granville, NY 12832.
InterVarsity
https://givetoiv.org/DanielleBailey
Young Life
https://giving.younglife.org/raymonroe
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bailey
Sponsored by M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home.
Wallace Paprocki
September 23, 2025
Chuck got me started on my teaching career, pushing the English Department at ACC to hire me. I owe my rewarding career to his persistence and kindness. I discovered him and his family on my biking route many years ago along the Hudson River and treasured our visits and friendship.
Leo Guariglia
January 20, 2025
I was very sorry to hear that Dr Bailey passed. I remember having him in Comparative Religion at ACC. I enjoyed the course, and found Dr. Bailey to be very knowledgeable and interesting. Because of him, this was my favorite class. I will always remember him fondly. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Robert Rivers
January 4, 2025
I was a student in Professor Bailey's first European History class in September 1972. He was more than just a teacher; he was an exceptional individual. His passion for history, generosity with his time, and willingness to engage in thoughtful debates made learning enjoyable.
Thanks to his influence, I eventually earned my bachelor's degree in history. He positively impacted many lives, and his legacy will continue through the countless students who were fortunate enough to learn from him. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Amberlyn Deyoe
January 2, 2025
So sad to hear about Rev. Bailey. He was a wonderful man who, with his beautiful wife Debbie raised a beautiful family. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Joanne (Litterer) McDermott
December 27, 2024
It was my honor to be a german student of Herr Bailey's at ACC. He was kind and patient. My condolences to the entire Bailey family. Christopher and Peter, please know I am thinking of you all. May your memories provide you comfort in the days to come.
Monique Fethke
December 27, 2024
What do you say when your heart is broken? You cry and wipe the tears and you embrace the loved ones. You think of their lives feeling broken, but you are comforted by life eternal in Christ. Monique Fethke
Dale
December 27, 2024
Rev Bailey was a pleasure to work with and always flexible to situations as they arose. Rest in Oeace
Dale and Dan Brockway
Dominic Tom
December 26, 2024
Took several history courses from Dr. Bailey during my ACC time (1975-77), great teacher and equally nice person. I actually thought about majoring in history and becoming a teacher partly because of him (before I later decided to go into journalism, which involves history if one thinks about it). Always calm, encouraged students. Thank you, Dr. Bailey. Sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Wallace Coates Paprocki
December 26, 2024
Chuck Bailey was not only a dear and fun friend of many, many years, he was also the major influence and help in my return to a teaching career which lasted almost 20 years. What a wonderful man.
Jennifer Sheerer
December 26, 2024
Dr. Bailey was one of my favorite professors during my time at ACC (1993-1995). I took a number of Western Civ classes and World Religion with him. He was one of the toughest yet kindest teachers I have ever had. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Barbara A Savage
December 26, 2024
Dr. Bailey was one of my favorite professors! We used to argue in class. He was right of course Prayers to all of his family
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