Douglas McArthur Bailey
UNICOI – Douglas McArthur Bailey, age 77, Unicoi, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at his residence. He was a life-long resident of Unicoi County and a son of the late Howard and Nora Williams Bailey. Douglas was a retired construction worker. He attended Erwin Bible Holiness Church. Douglas enjoyed his job, hunting and being outdoors. He loved his wife, girls and grandkids who were his world. “Everyone keeps using the phrase “gentle giant” to describe you and there honestly couldn’t be a better term for who you were as a person… but to me you were even more than that. You were such a wonderful, caring and loving papaw… the kind that got splinters out with his pocketknife and you didn’t even feel a thing. You displayed a kind of love for nanny that was so rare and beautiful that all your children and grandchildren were able to witness and know what true unconditional love looks like. You could make the whole room light up with laughter with one of your quirky but silly comments, which I know we all are going to miss. While I know it’s hard for us to say goodbye, I know it’s not forever and I am so grateful that God gave us these last few months with you when we thought we only had a few days just not long ago. I’m glad that time was filled with love, laughter and time spent with our family pulling together for each other. I am so thankful for a family like ours, some aren’t so lucky. Papaw, daddy, beloved husband you will be missed like something fierce and oh how deeply you are loved.” In addition to his parents Douglas was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Bailey in 1970, son-in-law, Brad Laughren, brother and sister-in-law, Willie and Barbara Bailey. Those left to cherish his memory, include his wife of 55 years, June Williams Bailey, three daughters: Lesa (Tony) Buchanan, Dana Laughren, Anita Bailey; three brothers: Louie (Virginia) Bailey, Richard (Sharon) Bailey, Johnny (Debbie) Bailey; one sister, Connie (John) Hicks; four grandchildren: Brandy (Keith) Holloway, Amanda (Rick) Kennedy, Hali Laughren, Timothy Bailey; three great grandchildren: Kaydence Kennedy, Bradley Laughren-Robnolte, Keeli Kennedy; brothers and sisters in-law: Phyllis (Glenn) Williams, Paul Williams, Raymond (Charlene) Williams, Ann (Dave) Ingram, Harold Williams, Garrison (Kathy) Williams, Texie Cash; several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. The family will receive friends Friday April 17, 2020 from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Unicoi Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held Saturday morning in the Evergreen Cemetery. Reverend Charlie Byrd will officiate a drive-in memorial service at 12:00 noon Saturday at the Fishery Community Church, everyone is welcome to attend and asked to be at the church by 11:55 AM Saturday. Music will be provided by Cliff and Mary Shelton. Pallbearers will be Tony Buchanan, Keith Holloway, Rick Kennedy, Timothy Bailey, and Bradley Laughren-Robnolte. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Charlie Byrd (Daddy’s preacher boy), Avalon Hospice, Krista, Brooks, and Smoky Mountain Medical Supplies. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bailey family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Bailey family. (423) 743-1380.
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