James Kenner Bailey

James Kenner Bailey, 60, of Seale, AL passed away early Friday afternoon, June 13, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital Midtown in Columbus, GA with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon EST on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City with Pastor Jonathan Merritt officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at his memorial service.

Mr. Bailey was born June 20, 1964, in Marietta, GA, son of the late Donald Francis Bailey and Margaret Eloise Givens Bailey. He was employed with Columbus Water Works as a Data Technician, working many years of faithful service. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) retiring after 22 years of honorable service and duty to our country. During his career, he was assigned as an Airborne Instructor at Fort Benning, GA becoming the first ever Air Force Airborne Instructor to teach at an Army Airborne School. Mr. Bailey was honored in representing the 1996 United States Olympics in Columbus, GA as the Torchbearer. He was a walking and talking history buff and fascinated many people with his knowledge of battles and wars and the events that molded the future of countries and societies. He had a unique gift and the ability to repair or craft any project, known as “Mr. Fixit”. He loved the beauty of the outdoors and nature and enjoyed hunting and fishing. But his greatest joy was the love he had for all his family sharing memories and laughter. He was a Christian and a Baptist by faith.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 42 years of marriage and 44 years of togetherness, Carla “Gail” Bishop Bailey of Seale, AL; children, Joshua Kenner Bailey (Zyquetta Smith) of Phenix City, AL, Amanda Marie Douglass (Stephen) of Seale, AL, Lucas Hunter Bailey of Fort Mitchell, AL, and David Alden Bailey of Columbus, MS; sister, Cassandra Wootten (David) of Fort Payne, AL; brother, Robert Bailey (Jackie) of Myrtle Beach, SC; nine precious grandchildren, William Douglass, Logan Douglass, McKenzie Bailey, Tristan Douglass, Lance Bishop Bailey, Emily Douglass, Alanna Douglass, Eleanor Douglass, and Maisie Douglass; several nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to St. Jude’s’s Children Hospital in loving memory of Mr. James Kenner Bailey.