Fred Bailey

Sylvan Fred Bailey, "The Honorary Mayor of Rossland City, " a good Christian man beloved by his family and regarded with affection by all who knew him, died peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, March 27, in his 85th year. He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Christine McKay Bailey; his parents, Jack Bailey and Era Odessa Bailey; two sisters, Mary Colburn and Pauline Esary; a brother, Raymond Bailey. Survivors are his two sons, Steve Bailey (Debbie); Paul Bailey (Tammy), both of Fayette; two daughters, Charlotte Stewart (Frank), Fayette; Jackie McQueen (Scott), Northport. Seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, other family members and friends. Mr. Bailey lived an extraordinarily long and productive life. He was born on January 23, 1932 and was baptized at Newton's Mill on the Sipsey River in 1950. He served in the United States Army as a tank commander trainer, Company C, 131st Tank Battalion (Heavy), stationed at Fort Knox KY, and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Later in life, he was a member of the Army Reserve and a National Guard recruiter. For many years he operated an Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance business in Fayette and consistently achieved the "Million Dollar Member" club. Mr. Bailey was a lifelong outdoorsman who appreciated the beauty of God's creation. He learned the art of working the land from his father, who was a prize-winning cotton and corn farmer. In 1950, he and his dad built with their own hands -- cutting timbers, making bricks -- the house in which his parents were to live for almost 50 years. Mr. Bailey took delight in raising gourds and watermelons and embraced the beauty of wildflowers. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Bailey was a longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was blessed with a servant's heart and believed in loving and serving others as his Christian witness. He was a loyal friend to many, and no man was prouder of or more devoted to his family. The family will receive friends at Norwood Chapel, Fayette, on Tuesday, March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside service only at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Harkins Lake Road, Fayette, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30. Pallbearers will be Scotty Moore, Randall Nichols, Billy Joe Owens, Jerry Ray, Ricky Williamson and Larry Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are Lynwood Cook, William Cook, Del Hartley, Shane Lyle, the morning men's coffee group at Charles' Cafeteria, surviving members of Company C, 131st Tank Battalion, Army National Guard. It was Mr. Bailey's wish that memorial gifts be sent to the Good Shepard Foundation, PO Box 83, Samantha, AL 35482; or to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa AL 35404. Norwood Chapel directing.