Thomas Lyon Bailey, also known as Tommy, went home to be with The Lord on July 21, 2022. He was born in Penland, NC to Kathleen Lyon Bailey an Harry Bailey in 1939. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his daughter Gina Bailey, his loving and devoted wife of 52 years Gail McKinney Bailey, and his brother Dick Bailey.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Thomas Kevin Bailey and his wife Karen of Ocala, FL. He is also survived by his grandson Connor Bailey, his precious sister Marcia Bailey of Asheville, NC, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and was thrilled to watch the Georgia Bulldogs win a national championship in football last year. He went on from college to work for the U.S. Forest Service as a forest ranger. His job was supervising controlled burns and watching out for uncontrolled burns in the forests. He would explain to his family that the fires were necessary so that the land could be purified to make room for new growth.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ocala. He was also a member of The Rotary Club in various cities where he lived. His pastimes included woodworking, building furniture, and absorbing every book ever written about WWII. He had a hearty laugh and a huge sweet tooth. He loved all things chocolate!
He was a shareholder of The Penland Bailey Company. He served on the board along with many extended family members. He treasured his NC roots where he grew up. He could name the trees, gemstones, and minerals that came from those beloved and beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
Funeral services for Tommy will be held at First Baptist Church of Ocala on Saturday July 30, 2022 at 2pm. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service at 1pm. His tall and lanky bones will be entered into rest at Good Shepard Memorial Gardens until the rapture occurs. Until then, his heart and soul are with Jesus in the second heaven. Pastor Ed Johnson will be officiating the services.