Curtis L. Bailey

Curtis L. Bailey obituary, Florence, SC

Curtis L. Bailey

Curtis Bailey Obituary

Visit the Smith Funeral Home of Florence website to view the full obituary.

Mr. Curtis Lee “Shorty” Bailey, was the youngest offspring born to the late Mr. Johnnie Bailey and the late Mrs. Mary Kelley Bailey on May 22,1955, in Florence, South Carolina. Curtis exchanged time for eternity on October 13, 2023.

Shorty was educated in the Florence County School System and graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1974.
Mr. Bailey joined the Business Enterprise Program at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind in June of 1979. He was an entrepreneur whose dedication to his career was unparallel for forty-four years, working through the proverbial rain and snow, but also through dialysis, hospitalizations and brain surgeries.

Anyone who knew Curtis, know that there were two things that he loved and enjoyed: dressing up and looking good, for him to hear someone say, “man you sure are sharp” made his day. Every man has a “go to” for Shorty it was music, performing under the moniker “D. J. Shorty.” He was my favorite, no; the favorite  disc jockey for family, friends, night clubs and special social functions such as class reunions. The highlight of his D. J. career was playing at a political rally at South Carolina State Orangeburg for Representative James Clyburn, but Curtis would insist an audience of one was just as satisfying. The epitome of his labor of love.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; and six brothers, Herbert Malloy, Joseph Bailey, Joseph Kelley, Johnny Bailey, Jr., Ernest Bailey, and Willie Roscoe Bailey.

Shorty leaves to cherish his memories: a daughter, Shakaryra Brown; a granddaughter, Sy’Jerria Scott; a grandson, Joel Smith; a brother, Lafayette Bailey (Harriett); a sister, DeLinda Bailey Anderson (Stephen); two sisters in law, Rosa Bailey and Elma Bailey; two devoted aunts/cousins, Mrs. Georgia "Jack" Kelley and Mrs. Mary Harley Barcus; his incredibly special friend, Ms. Margaret Foxworth; friends and co-workers, Mrs. Mickey Smalls, David McCormick, and Louise Cooper; and the family tree continues with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please keep the family of Curtis Lee "Shorty" Bailey in your thoughts and prayers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Smith Funeral Home of Florence

307 S. Johns Street, Florence, SC 29506

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