Buck Saunders Bailey

Mr. Buck Saunders Bailey, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Buck was born in Martin County to the late Jesse Bynum Bailey and Lula Whitehurst Bailey on March 9, 1933. He grew up in eastern NC where he graduated from Washington High School in 1951. After high school, he was drafted into the Army where he served from 1953-1955 as a Medic. He saw France, Holland, Germany, England, and the Swiss Alps. After the service, Buck moved to Winston-Salem where he met his lovely wife, Betty. He attended night school and earned many certificates. He even took a typing class. Even though he was the only male in the class, he stuck with it and learned how to type. Buck retired from AT&T in Winston-Salem as a Technical Writing Specialist. He drove a school bus for the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County School System for 25 years. He retired again at 80 years old, only because they made him due to heart issues. He enjoyed praying, writing, keeping records, shining his cars, and learning about a variety of things. He loved fishing and hunting with his hunting dogs. He would go to Salem Lake as often as he could.  We all loved to fish with him in his wooden boat from down east which was pulled with his Bronco. Being outdoors was magical to him - from his many gardens to riding the grandkids on the lawn mower. Miranda and Bailey will miss their Pa. He loved spending time with them and making them laugh. Buck was a great teacher to them whether it be Math or fishing or shooting a bb gun. It was always a fun exciting adventure. He made life fun for us and always made us laugh. He enjoyed making everyone laugh, including strangers. In his later years, he enjoyed the iPad because he could “walk” in other countries and read about people and animals.

He married the love of his life Betty and they were true love birds. They were happily and thankfully married for 63 years. Buck was always a gentleman- opened doors for her, spoke kindly and lovingly. He always told her how beautiful she is and he sent her red roses on their wedding anniversary and on her birthday every year.  

His love and support for his family was immeasurable. He was so thankful for the way the Lord blessed him in so many ways. We were blessed to have him. Our hearts are broken, but strong, thanks to his leadership and Christian example he set for us all.

Along with his parents, Buck is preceded in death by brothers, JB Bailey and Harold Bailey.

He is survived by his wife Betty Kye Bailey; daughter, Mitzi Williams and husband Aaron; grandchildren, Miranda Williams and Bailey Williams; his precious sister, Ruby Whitley and close nephew Kirk who he spoke with daily and many nieces and nephews. He loved all of his family and prayed for them.

Psalm 29:11 2 Timothy 4:7-8 John 3:16

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 12:00pm at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Pastor Rob Decker officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A reception will be held following the service at the Robert F. Miller Center. The burial will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00am at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Triad Baptist Church for the youth group’s summer camp.