BAILEY

Rev. Dr. Tom Bailey Jr., 89, departed this life Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at his home in Bogalusa, with his devoted wife at his side.

He was born on April 15, 1925, and attended Bogue Chitto High School and graduated from Lincoln County Technical School. In 1996 Union Baptist Seminary School of Religious Studies awarded him a doctorate of divinity degree.

In his youth he loved playing basketball and participating in a lightweight boxing league. He also loved singing. For several years he managed and participated in a traveling gospel quartet.

He served in the U.S. Navy for three years and was honorably discharged. In 1959 the Lord called him into His service to proclaim the gospel. His working vineyards included Lone Star Baptist Church in Summit, Miss. (1960-1971) and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in McComb, Miss. (1979-1993). He was pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Bogalusa since 1966 and Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Tylertown, Miss. since 1971, serving both congregations faithfully until he was called home.

He was employed by Crown Zellerbach and retired in 1987 after 34 years of service.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of over 62 years, Candasie; four children, Daisy (Edward) Shepard, Carolyn Butler, Shelia (Charles) Leflore and Michael (Martha) Bailey; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie (Hugh) Braxton; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Tommy and Donald; his parents, Tom and Georgia Anna Bailey; and siblings, Rosana Henderson, Elvira Marcano, Itima Walls, Irene Redd and Grace Lyons.

Visitation will be Friday, April 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Tylertown. The funeral service will be Saturday at noon, with the Rev. Dr. Raymond Mims officiating. Interment will follow at Bogalusa Cemetery.

Please sign the guestbook at www.crainandsons.com.