Joe Dan Bailey

Biography: Joe Dan Bailey, 93, of Little Rock, died December 4, 2025. He was born in Quanah, Texas, to Joe and Marie Bailey on October 8, 1932. Dan graduated from Texas Tech University where he met and married Mary Jane Smith. Their love carried them through more than 7 decades together. Dan was a proud Red Raider and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was known for his endless determination and unconditional love for his family. Dan was patient beyond words, kind, gentle, and genuinely interested in the lives of all he met.
Dan was a lifelong learner and entrepreneur who started three companies in Litle Rock, Arkansas: Bailey Smith Corporation, Data World, and PDC. He helped to develop the first multifocal contact lens and was very involved in the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association and served a term as president. He was an active member of Rotary Club of Little Rock.
Upon their arrival in Little Rock, Dan and Mary Jane became members of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church.
Catholic education for their five children was very important to them. All attended Holy Souls Elementary School and continued either at Mount St. Mary Academy or Catholic High School for Boys.
Dan's many interests included golf and duck hunting. He was a single engine pilot and Civil Air Patrol volunteer. He loved and treasured his many friends, regularly attending the annual reunions with his Kappa Sig fraternity brothers. Dan was always committed to his values of fairness, integrity, kindness, and humor.
Joe Dan is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, and their five children: Chris Vaughan (Wally), Anna Carlson (Ron), Rebecca Kane (Tom), Curtis Bailey, and Allen Bailey. He adored his 11 grandchildren: Wallace Vaughan (Kaylan), Jane Sullivan, Genevieve Carlson, Claire Kane, Max Kane, Matthew Kane (Rachel), Gracie Bailey Ozdimir (Levent), Katy Bailey, Lindley Bailey, August Bailey (Claire), and Elizabeth Grady (Stuart). His legacy will also live on in his five great grandchildren: Wyatt Vaughan, Wesley Vaughan, Jacks Kane, Isabelle Kane, and Oscar Ozdemir. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Shirley, and his brother Robert.
There will be a visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home from 5:30 to 6:30pm on Monday, December 8, 2025, followed by a Rosary in the chapel. The Funeral Mass and Interment will be at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church on December 9, 2025, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 North Tyler Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com