Franklin Thornton Bailey

Franklin Thornton Bailey, 83, of Phenix, Va., died Sunday, February 12, 2006 at McGuire Veterans Hospital, Richmond, Va. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Frances Allen Bailey for 58 years. Born May 2, 1922 in Charlotte County, he was the son of the late Curry O. Bailey and Geneva Thornton Bailey; and stepson of Lillian Bailey Moore. He was a lifelong member of the Phenix Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon of the church. A well-respected lifelong resident and businessman of Charlotte County, he served as a councilman for 24 years on the Phenix Town Council. Mr. Bailey was a veteran of World War II in which he served in the United States Army, Company B from 1942-1945 under the command of General Douglas McArthur. His military service included combat infantry in the South Philippines, Japan, Bismarck Archipelango and New Guinea. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. Mr. Bailey was a member of the American Legion Post 290. Upon returning to the states from the military, he attended the Richmond Barber School, where he earned two diplomas as a licensed barber. He moved to Phenix in 1948 and opened his own business, where he barbered part time for over 50 years. During his service as a Phenix Town Councilman, the town water tower was built and residents had access to town water for the first time. Mr. Bailey was retired from Burlington Industries (West Point Stevens Company), Drakes Branch, Va., with 35 years of service. An avid sportsman, his love for sports began early in life while attending Randolph-Henry High School and playing on the R-H High School Baseball team as a pitcher, and he continued to support the county athletic events throughout his life. During his life, he played on the Phenix Softball League, and was a former member of the Hat Creek Golf Course, where he enjoyed playing golf. He is survived by a loving family, one daughter, Arlene Bailey of Fredericksburg, Va.; two sons, Gene Bailey and his wife, Linda of Fredericksburg, Va., and Phil Bailey and his wife, Wendy of Raleigh, N.C.; two grandchildren, Brandon and Sara Bailey, both of Fredericksburg, Va.; two sisters, Mamie Pugh of Charlotte Court House, Va., and Nancy Kinch of Richmond, Va.; one half brother, Curry O. Bailey Jr. of King William, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Clifford Bailey; and a sister, Louise Willhoite. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at the Phenix Presbyterian Church, with the Reverends John and Roberta Kidd officiating. Interment will follow in the Rough Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, with military honors. The family will receive friends at the Browning Funeral Home, Keysville, Va., between the hours of 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to the Rough Creek Cemetery Fund.