David Richard Bailey

David Richard Bailey, 80, went home to be with his Lord late Thursday evening at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of his family. David was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on June 18, 1945, to the late Joe Richard Bailey and Kathleen Taylor Bailey.
Raised in a Christian home, David learned early the values of faith, hard work, and generosity. As a young boy, he discovered his love for gardening, a passion he carried throughout his life. He delighted in sharing the bounty of his gardens with friends and family, offering it as an expression of kindness and fellowship.
David attended Clemson University, where he earned a degree in Chemistry and became a proud Clemson Tiger. A devoted supporter, he followed Clemson football faithfully and enjoyed keeping up with all things related to the university. After completing his education, David honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, standing with courage in defense of the freedoms he cherished.
David retired from Abbott Laboratories in Rocky Mount after 28 years of dedicated service. During his years in Rocky Mount, he was a member of Englewood Assembly of God, where he worshipped faithfully. Upon moving to Goldsboro, he found a spiritual home with the congregation of Unity Fellowship Church in Rosewood.
A man of many interests and talents, David was an avid lover of music-especially Motown-and maintained an impressive collection of vinyl records. He was deeply devoted to reading and studying his Bible, always seeking to grow in his understanding of God's Word. He also enjoyed the simple pleasure of finding just the right item on Amazon and eagerly awaiting its arrival. With a natural talent for working with his hands, David enjoyed tinkering with woodworking projects at home. Over the years, he built meaningful pieces for his family's home place, including a house for his daughter's cats and a small outdoor building for the tractor-practical demonstrations of his love and care.
A private service will be held at a later date in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina.
David is survived by his daughter, Lauren Cotter, and husband, Al; grandchildren, Christopher Bailey Weeks of Mount Olive, Colin Wade Weeks of Mount Olive, Dallas Justin Cotter of Rosewood, and Victoria King Panosso and husband, Jacob of Rosewood; and his great-grandson, Oliver Panosso. He is also survived by a very dear friend and companion, Becky Umstead.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.