Gary L. Bailey, 79, of Eleanor, WV, passed away on June 1, 2024, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington after a long battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Gary was born on May 7, 1945, to the late Carlton and Mary Hinkle Bailey. He graduated from Butler High School in Butler, New Jersey, and earned a degree in Biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia.
Gary served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He retired from the USDA as a District Director of the Farm Service Agency after 37 years of service.
He was active in the Putnam County Gun Club, WV State Rifle & Pistol Association, NRA, and American Legion. He enjoyed spending time at his farm in French Creek, Upshur County, where he engaged in hunting, trapping, and enjoying nature. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Gary was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Buckhannon, WV.
Preceding him in death are his parents; grandparents, Harold and Nelle Bailey and W.O. and Alfa Hinkle; in-laws, Amos and Lillian Hornbeck Waugh; brother-in-law, Ronald Davidson, all of Buckhannon, WV; and brother-in-law, Dr. Gary A. Waugh of South Carolina.
Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years, Percilla Waugh Bailey; sons, Aaron H. Bailey (Lisa) of Proctorville, Ohio, and Travis M. Bailey (Bonnie) of Milton, WV; grandsons, Turner and Bryor Bailey of Milton, WV. He is also survived by his brother, Phil Bailey of Newton, NJ; sister, Carol Horernle (Erich) of Florida; sisters-in-law, Nancy Waugh Davidson of Buckhannon, WV, and Joyce Gerrad Waugh of South Carolina; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on June 5, 2024, at Raynes Funeral Home in Eleanor, WV, with Pastor Will Basham officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 12:00 prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with military graveside honors will follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House at 3100 Staunton Road, Huntington, WV 25702.
Online condolences may be sent to the family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com. Raynes Funeral Home, 303 Ash Circle, Eleanor, WV is in charge of arrangements.
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