Joel Steven Bailey

Joel Steven Bailey, of Church Hill, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on December 8, 2024 surrounded by his children, his brothers, and the love of his life. Larger than life, Joel was loved by all who knew him and always had a joke, story, or witty comeback ready to fire.
Joel was born in 1952 to Juanita (Calhoun) Martin and the late Hallis "Greasy" Bailey. Ever a servant from a young age, he was immeasurably proud of his younger brothers Jeff and Philip and enjoyed speculating which of the three brothers, in fact, had the largest nose. He grew up in Church Hill, graduated from Church Hill High School in 1970, and spent the majority of his life entrenched "on Magnolia." Joel graduated from the University of Tennessee-Martin, where he continued his life of service by joining the Army ROTC. After graduation Joel embarked upon a decades-long career in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve, eventually earning the rank of Major prior to retiring and serving in South Korea, Panama, Türkiye, Egypt, and across the Persian Gulf. Joel also worked for Tennessee Department of Human Services, leading teams vested with protecting some of Tennessee's most vulnerable. He was a member of Clay Lodge #386 and cheerfully assisted families and children traveling to Shriner's Hospital for Children. Joel enjoyed retirement by working at Bays Mountain Golf Course, where he received the high distinction of a one-star Google review for being a "grumpy old man." Allegedly. Above all, Joel loved his grandchildren, Riley and Cooper, and rarely could be found anywhere other than watching them play ball.
Joel is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rosie Cooper Bailey; his children, Zachary Bailey and Whitney Bailey; his grandchildren, Riley and Cooper Bond; his mother and stepfather, Roy and Juanita Martin; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff (Carrie) Bailey and Philip (Kim) Bailey; brother-in-law, Mack Cooper; sister-in-law, Bernadette Smith; cousin and life-long best friend, David Calhoun; stepbrothers David (Gail) Martin and Mike Martin; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11 from 5-7 PM at Johnson Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill, with a service to follow officiated by Mitch Russell. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 12 at 10 AM at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tennessee. Friends and family are asked to gather by 9:45 AM. Pallbearers are Zachary Bailey, David Calhoun, Mack Cooper, Christian Bailey, Preston Bailey, and Phil Armstrong. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
The family would like to thank Daniel Carroll, M.D., Dr. "Aunt Ashley" Hendrix, M.D., Brittany Brickey, RN, the physicians and staff at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, his cousin, Becky D. Ward, RN, and hospice staff for the excellent care provided to both Joel and the family during this difficult time.
Joel will be deeply and immeasurably missed.