Marvin L. Bailey

Marvin L. Bailey obituary, Florence, SC

Marvin L. Bailey

Marvin Bailey Obituary

Visit the Smith Funeral Home of Florence website to view the full obituary.

Mr. Marvin Lafayette “Monkey” Bailey, was the seventh offspring born to the late Mr. Johnnie Bailey and the late Mrs. Mary Kelley Bailey on March 29, 1948, in Florence, South Carolina. Lafayette “Monkey” exchanged time for eternity on February 22, 2024. 

Lafayette “Monkey”  was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Florence, SC from an early age. He was educated in the Florence County School System and a 1968 graduate of Wilson High School.  He was a creative and resourceful man as a farmer, employee and as a businessman.   He was a truck driver for Fuller Transportation, Georgia Highway Express, and Transus trucking. He was the owner of L.B & Son’s Concrete Work.

He was a Past Master and Lifetime Member of King Solomon Lodge #356. He was a former member of the following Pee Dee Chapter No. 32 Holy Royal Arch Mason (Past High Priest) of Pamplico, SC;  Pee Dee Consistory No. 197 of Effingham, SC and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shriners, Crescent Temple #148 of Florence, SC. He was elevated all the way to 33rd Degree Mason.  

He was also a member of the No. 1 Harley Motorcycle Club of Florence, SC.

Anyone who knew Lafayette “Monkey”, knew  he loved and enjoyed fast cars and motorcycles an dressing up and looking good. 

Lafayette “Monkey” was preceded in death by his parents; Johnnie and Mary K. Bailey,  one son; Stevenson Bailey, a daughter-in-law; Tina Wiggins Bailey and seven brothers; Herbert Malloy, Joseph Bailey ”TuPi”(Ethel), Joseph Kelley(Dollie), Johnny Bailey, Jr., Ernest Bailey, Willie Roscoe Bailey (Vicky) and Curtis Bailey.

Lafayette “Monkey” leaves to cherish his memories: wife Harriett Gordon Bailey; two sons, Marvin Lafayette Bailey, Jr., and Timothy L Bailey; four grandchildren, Rha’Hiem, William, Ryan and Royalty; one sister, DeLinda “Polly” Bailey (Stephen) Anderson; six sisters-in-law, Rosa Bailey, Elma Bailey, Myrtis (Charles) Cusack, Maxine Gordon Cusack, Alice (Henry) Davis, Helen (Spencer) Pee, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Leo Gordon, Jr., George Gordon, and Mitchell (Sharon) Gordon; four aunts, Mrs. Georgia "Jack" Kelley and Mrs. Mary Lee Harley Barcus, Evangeline Davis, Lillie Bell Davis; and a host of special friends and a friend that was like his brother, Alexander Bradley. The family tree continues with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please keep the family of Marvin Lafayette “Monkey “ Bailey in your thoughts and prayers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Smith Funeral Home of Florence

307 S. Johns Street, Florence, SC 29506

Make a Donation
in Marvin Bailey's name

How to support Marvin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Marvin Bailey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more