A Tribute to a Godly Man

Robert Bailey, the father of my good friend Joey Bailey (family life pastor at Green Run Baptist Church in Virginia Beach), passed away last weekend. Many knew him as "Bob" and here is his obituary, courtesy of The Free-Lance Star in Fredericksburg (found here):

Robert J. Bailey

Robert James "Bob" Bailey, 62, of Fredericksburg died Friday, December 21, 2007, at Inova Alexandria Hospital following a brief and difficult battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born Feb. 23, 1945, in Glen Fork, W. Va., to the late Oley and Pauline Bailey. He graduated from Glen Rogers High School in 1963 with state awards in auto mechanics. Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement against hostile forces. On June 23, 1967, he was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Moran of Oceana, W.Va. In 1987, Robert moved with his wife and their two children to Fredericksburg to work at Ourisman Chevrolet in Marlow Heights, Md., where he faithfully labored for 20 years. Robert's life had long been defined by his commitment to Jesus Christ. He was a loyal husband and loving father. He was a man of great strength, courage, and commitment to both his home and his church. Robert's loyalty and strength were matched by a heart always willing to help some one in need. Countless peo ple have benefited from his life throughout the years. Robert would be quick to give credit to God. He was a faithful member of Chancellor Baptist Church in Fredericksburg.

The three greatest attributes of Robert's life were his strength, love, and commitment.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jean; his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Stephanie Bailey of Virginia Beach; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Paul Thompson of Fredericksburg; four grandchildren, Jordyn, Grace, Nathan, and Emerson, who all knew him as "Pappy" and were his greatest joy; and his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Freda Bailey of Glen Fork.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, at Chancellor Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. An additional service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Palm Memorial Garden, Matheny, W.Va., with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Date published: 12/23/2007

Were it that even half of that could be said about us when we passed--a life of service, dedicated to God, and loved by his family. May we weep with those who weep, yet rejoice in knowing that our brother has gone on to the Lord.