Robert Arlen "Bob" Bailey, died Sunday, July 11, 2010 in Jackson, MS. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton with Dr. Fred Womack and Dr. Greg Belser officiating. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home.
Mr. Bailey was born on June 1,, 1931 in Eupora, MS to the late Robert E. "Dude" and Mary Frances Philley Bailey. He graduated from Eupora High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict in the Strategic Air Command. He later graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Banking and Finance. Mr. Bailey was a 50 year lifetime member of Eupora Masonic Lodge #423 and Hamasa Shrine Temple in Meridian. He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, Mississippi Aerial Applicators and a Board Member of the Mississippi Agriculture Museum. During his career in aviation, Mr. Bailey established Bailey Flying Service in Eupora, Ms., traveled worldwide helping introduce the Thrush Commander for Aero Commander and gave flight demonstrations on hundreds of private strips and airshows in the U.S. and Canada. He remained in Agricultural Aircraft Sales with the establishment of Bob Bailey Aircraft Sales from 1977 to 1997. He is a lifetime member of MS. Agricultural Aviation Assn. On February 19, 2010, Bob was awarded The Lee Abide Award at the MAAA for his cooperation with the association and his outstanding contributions and work in the Agricultural Aviation Industry.
Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, William Thomas Bailey of Memphis, Tn.
Survivors include his wife Bobbye Gary Bailey, three sons: Dale Bailey, Phillip Bailey, Paul Bailey and wife, Sukuna, and one daughter, Judy Anderson, all of Clinton, as well as eight grandchildren: Justin Anderson of Tallahassee, Fl., Chance and Shelbi Bailey of Garland, Tx., Allison and Madison Bailey of Clinton, Genevieva Bailey of Clinton, and Patricia and Anika Bailey of Bangkok, Thailand. He also leaves three sisters: Pat Hunter of Hendersonville, NC., Mary Bailey of Eupora, MS. and Jeannie Rogers of Tyler, TX.
Memorials may be made to the Mississippi Aerial Applicators at P.O. Box 243 Inverness, MS 38753 (662)265-5903.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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August 15, 2010
To Bob's family,I'll allways remember the infamous humming bird story in an open cockpit stearman.Honest & smiling.Smooth skies & tailwinds.Bill Thomas Sr.&Jr. West Helena,Arkansas
July 19, 2010
Sethanie McCracken
I will miss you Uncle Robert Arlen you were the rock of your family and an awesome big brother to my mother Tiny and my 2 aunts Pat and Jeannie,You were always there when we needed you and you will be turly missed.You flew here on earth by airplanes now you can fly with wings,Please give Tammy and Teresa a big strong hug You were so good at that also Nanny and Granddaddy,Uncle Sonny boy and the rest of the family.R.I.P. you deserve it..Your niece Sethanie
July 19, 2010
Betty Spencer
Your family were very special neighbors and friends. My prayers & thoughts go out to each of you
July 16, 2010
Willis Coco
Bob we first met in 1969 in Cheneyville La. at Farmers Dusting Co. and we always seem to have things to talk about every time we saw each other at meetings and convention for years after that. We will miss you in this industry and this life.
July 14, 2010
Hey Bob,i will miss seeing you at the grocery store and getting to chat a little.malcolm horton,clinton,ms.
July 14, 2010
Billie Miles
Mistah Bob was a real 'hoot'. The Ar. Aerial Applicaters will miss him on their 'strips' telling those great stories. Long passes and 'casual turns', keep the strip clear for us....
July 14, 2010
Venita Yancey
Aunt Bobbye, please know that I am thinking about ya'll eventhough I can't be there with you. Love Venita
July 14, 2010
Kathy (Potter) Terlep
Aunt Bobby, Judy, Dale, Phillip & Paul ~ What a character...words don't do justice to describe your husband/dad but he left a lasting impression and many memories along the way. I miss you guys and am thinking about you and praying for God's strength, love and peace to surround you. My heart is with you.
Love Kathy, George Austin & Anna
July 14, 2010
Chip Potter
Bailey was such a loyal Uncle and friend to our family. We new he was always there if we needed him. We pray for God's comfort in your family.
July 13, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Bailey family during this difficult time.- Stella Bergman, Brandon, MS
July 13, 2010
Marc Mullis
Bob was always a joy to be around and a great friend to have.
July 13, 2010
Jo Glynn Gary Byrd
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mother and Daddy always enjoyed their visits with you.
Love, Jo Byrd
July 13, 2010
Hale Ellis
July 13, 2010
Trey Petro
The Bailey family will be in our thoughts and prayers though this difficult time. Trey and Leslie Petro (Canton, MS)
July 13, 2010
Gordon & Gwen Siders
It would be a much better world if we had alot more Bob Baileys
Gordon and Gwen Siders
July 13, 2010
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
July 13, 2010
Paul Maglothin
I'm sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed listening to his stories.He made ag aviation what it is today.He will be missed.
July 13, 2010
Kurt Hayes
Bob "The Godfather" Bailey is a true legend, an end of an era in ag-aviation. He was an idol and inspiration to many. Bob RIP my friend, you will be greatly missed.
July 13, 2010
George and Margaret Frizzell
Bob will always live on in my memories of our time together in aviation. Bobbie,we will keep you in our prayers.
July 13, 2010
Cord Foster
It was such a pleasure to see Bob drive up at the airport in Clarksdale where I grew up. The stories between Sid Turner, my father and Bob were great. So long old friend, I know your final flight west will be a good trip!
July 13, 2010
johnny sparks
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
July 13, 2010
Brewer Pearson
The members of the Jackson Hangar Quiet Birdmen will certainly miss Bob.
July 13, 2010
Bil Lavender
July 13, 2010
Bill Lavender
Bob Bailey was one of the greatest story tellers for ag-aviation, giving great emphasis with his physical expressions. In his lifetime, he saw many changes in ag-aviation and was a part of most of them. Bobbye, he'll be greatly missed. -Bill Lavender
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