John M Bailey

John M. Bailey of Oconee, Georgia, passed away on the morning of Thursday, August 3, 2023.  A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 6th at 2:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Bay Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Reverend Lamar Brantley and Reverend Danny Thomas will officiate. Pallbearers will be Franklin Pate, Jason Foskey, Danny Brown, Durwood Johnson, Russell Meeks, and Jeff Price.

John was born and raised on a farm in Johnson County, Georgia, to George Eulie Bailey and Gertrude Averett Bailey. He attended Johnson County Schools and retired from Englehard after 45 years. John was a jack of all trades and could do anything he tried – from music to woodworking to mechanics and everything in between.  He was a master carpenter, having proudly built several family homes including their own. He could fix anything, with or without an engine. He enjoyed mowing the yards, driving his tractor, and fishing.  He was one of each of these to his family and they knew they could depend on him to help them out with anything they needed. They drafted him many times to help with fixing something at their family restaurant, Herb’s Fish Place.

His greatest joy was his family. He adored his children and was so proud of each of them. He was “Dyee” to the grandkids and he thought they could nearly walk on water! He was their biggest cheerleader in their accomplishments and their most honest critic when he thought something could be better. They loved every role he filled.

John was a perfectionist in his music, playing his Martin guitar and singing with the most beautiful voice. He was one of the founding members of the local gospel group, The Lamplighters, in the 1960s and 1970s.  He recorded a country album with his brother, Harold, and played many of Nashville’s stages, including the Grand Ol’ Opry.

John is survived by his wife, Bess Bailey, his daughters, Michelle B. Willis and her husband Ken and Nicki L Bailey both of Oconee; his son, Jonathan Bailey and his wife Neshelle, of Oconee.  His grandchildren were J. Ashley Willis of Wrens, Justin Willis of Sandersville, Meghan Bailey, and Alaina Bailey of Oconee.  His great grandchild was Ryan Moss of Wrens.  He is also survived by his sister, Lynell B Chance of St Simons Island, Ga and his brother, Jimmy Bailey of Wrightsville, and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Buford Bailey, Eldridge Bailey, Ray Bailey, Harold Bailey, Ruth Brown, Doris Davidson, Ralph Bailey, and Louise Bailey.

Donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation, Good Shepherd Church, 316 East South Central Ave. Tennille, Ga. 31089 or Sandersville First Church of The Nazarene, P.O. Box 801, Sandersville, Ga. 31082

May & Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.  Leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com