Earnest "Earnie" Bailey Jr.

Earnest "Earnie" Bailey Jr., age 77, formerly of Prospect Heights, passed away peacefully on September 22nd, 2025.

Earnie will be remembered as a selfless, kind-hearted man who was always there when you needed him. He was the one to call if you needed help with your car, something fixed around the house, or even a ride, no matter the time of day. If you were craving a certain food, all you had to do was mention it. He would immediately go get it or make it without hesitation. He always looked for ways to make others happy.

He loved to travel and was always up for a road trip. Earnie was a lifelong Cubs fan and held a deep love for the city of Chicago, where he grew up. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, cooking, a trip to the casino, and celebrating his 4th of July birthday, a day that always came with fireworks and a big celebration.

During his years working at O'Hare Airport, Earnie made friends with everyone he met. He was known for always handing out candy to others to brighten their day. He formed countless relationships that he cherished deeply.

Earnie was the proud father of Nicole Bailey, Melissa Bailey, Earnest Bailey III, Angela (Steve) Fowler, Robert (Nora) Bailey, Tony Bailey, and Melanie Madon. He was the loving grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 2. He was a devoted brother to Ruthie (Jackie) Prescott, Lois (Doug) Harvey, Pat (late Ron) Smith, Barb (Fred) Garvin, Mary (Jim) Applehans, Bill (late Marie) Bailey, Ed (Teri) Bailey, Michael (Nancy) Bailey, and the late Susan Lynn Bailey. He will also be remembered as a dear uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Bailey Sr. and Ruth Bailey.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 10th, at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling. Family and friends may gather from 4:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

All of Earnie's family and friends will miss him dearly. He was truly a special person and all who knew him were lucky to have him in their lives.