Thomas Bailey

Thomas Gordon Bailey of Advance, NC arose to meet his tee time on God's Heavenly Golf Course on December 6, 2022.

Tom was born in Raleigh, NC, on May 26, 1945, the eldest child of Henry and Frances Bailey, whom preceded him in death. Also welcoming him at the gates of heaven were his 2 sisters, Kay Pegram and Jeanie Kearns; and the mother of his daughters, Beth McKelvey, all of Greensboro, NC. Tom graduated from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC. He later moved to Kernersville, NC, where his 2 daughters were raised.

Tom never met a stranger and was loved by all. Younger friends listened and took much of his "older" advice.

Left to live with his many precious memories include his loving, devoted wife and companion of 30 years, Linda Johnston Bailey of their home; his loving and caregiving daughters, Tina Bailey of Sarasota, Florida, and Lisa (Scott) Barrow of Stokesdale, NC; along with grandchildren, Lowrey Barrow Cox (Dalton), Jacob, Bailey and Abby Barrow; his stepson, Greg Strader; step-grandson, Bradley Strader; his brother, Chuck Bailey (Owilda) of Reidsville, NC; and brother-in-law, Willie Pegram of Greensboro, NC. He was anxiously awaiting his first great grandchild in May.

Tom was a Territory Manager in the material handling industry within NC and VA until his retirement.

Retirement allowed him to enjoy his work with Caracole at the High Point Furniture Market (Spring and Fall Markets) for several years. He volunteered many years at The Urgent Care Center of Atrium Health Baptist Medical Center in Clemmons, NC, enjoying the friends he made and helping everyone however he could. He spent many hours having fun and meeting many people from various areas being a Ranger at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC.

Tom was a loving, funny, giving and always helpful man to all his family and friends whom he loved dearly. Tom and Linda spent many hours with friends or alone playing golf in various locations from the NC mountains to SC beaches. Mostly in Winston-Salem, NC. They also had 2 wonderful opportunities to traveling to a total of 9 countries in Europe. Tom was also a member of the local Senior Wonderful World of Golf Association.

The family would like to thank Donna and Eddie Milholen, Donna and Mike French, Sandi Kuhns, Sally and Ken Walker and Amie and Scott Kennedy, faithful, helpful, loving, prayer warrior friends and neighbors. Also, Jim and Linda Heath, Jim being Tom's forever golfing buddy and Special Friend, keeping Tom stocked with the cream horns he loved. Much gratitude and love for Craig and Jill Taylor for their love, support, prayers, and grocery store runs.

Greg was faithful in keeping Tom and Linda well stocked with his chicken's fresh eggs, his summer garden veggies, and countless grocery store runs along with many good meals he prepared.

Lisa was by her Dad's side whenever she could which was frequent, and Tina kept him laughing with her numerous phone calls and many visits spending her time caring for and loving on her Daddy. They all provided care, prayers, love, food, and transportation. Tom loved and cherished you ALL.

The family sends their heartfelt thanks to each of Tom's caring, loving and compassionate Liberty Hospice Team.

While there will be no public service, the family will honor his memory privately. Linda will be available at their home, with Tina and Lisa, at 8505 Shedan Rd, Stokesdale, NC.

As per Tom's request, his body will be entrusted to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Research Center in hopes of gaining helpful medical knowledge to benefit others in the future. In his passing, he is still giving.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First-Tee, First Tee Central Carolina P.O. Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012 to support Tom's passion and love of children, or Liberty Hospice of 1007 Lexington Ave., Thomasville, NC 27360, whose care for him was above reproach.

The family is being served by Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel.