David Bailey

David F. (Dave) Bailey, age 88, passed away November 21, 2024 at his home in Owingsville, Ky. He was born February 16, 1936, the son of the late Feland “Doc” Bailey and Roxie Barber Bailey.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Fern Stacy Bailey, five sons, Terry Bailey (Jane) of Owingsville, Brent Bailey (Michelle) of Morehead, Chris Bailey (Loyce) of Owingsville, Darren Bailey (Lisa) of Lexington, Barry Bailey (Carol) of Owingsville, and one daughter, Melanie Pauley of Owingsville. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, Charity Robbins, Joby Bailey, Derek Bailey, Sean Bailey, Phelan Bailey, Cheree Redmond, Malcolm Bailey, Autumn Dennis, Monica Bailey, Riah Bailey, Chelsea Bailey, Hannah Phillips, Daniel Bailey, Andrea Bailey, Lleyton Bailey, Landis Bailey, Courtney Dye, Brandon Bailey, Cainon Bailey and Sully Pauley, 28 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Whaley Herman “Bud” Bailey (Mary) and Billie Paul Bailey (Emma Lea), and one sister, Gearldine Bailey Jones.

Dave had a very strong work ethic. After acquiring his GED, he also obtained a surveyors license. He worked for the City of Owingsville, Mason Engineering, and contractor G.R. Alderman, Inc., before establishing D.F. Bailey, Inc. As a utility contractor, he created well-paying jobs for many employees and subcontractors, including his sons to whom he entrusted the family business. He was very respected in his field of work.

In his early adult life, he enjoyed fishing and raising a garden. Later, he turned his attention to Kentucky basketball. Throughout his life, though, he was a keen observer of politics, and was always well-informed about state, national, and international affairs.

Dave was a member of the Owingsville Baptist Church where he had served as an ordained deacon and Sunday School Superintendent for many years.

He was completely devoted to his wife and deeply loved his children. Perhaps his greatest fault was his habit of spoiling them. They will always hold him in the highest respect and greatly miss him.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, November 25, at the Owingsville Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday November 26, also at the church. Private graveside services for the family will be held at a later date.

Richardson Funeral Home is caring for all arrangements.

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