Shirley “Big Jack” Bailey, 89, of Front Royal, Virginia passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Winchester Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2 PM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal with Pastor Joseph Plemmons officiating.
Shirley was born in Flint Hill, Virginia to the late Homer and Luemma Roberts Bailey. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ricky Lee Bailey; brother, Gillis Taliaferro Sr. and four sisters, Mary Lincoln, Marion Bey, Dorothy Brooks and Margaret “Polly” Nesby. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army, worked at Worthington Pumps in Harrison, New Jersey for 38 years, an Ordained Deacon at Roseville Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey, served on the Good Hope Cemetery Association in Front Royal, Virginia and was a member of the Spiritual Guardians Quartet that sang at various church events in the Front Royal area.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Velma B. Bailey; son, Mark L. Bailey (Portia); brother, James Taliaferro; four grandchildren, Amanda Bailey, Mark Bailey II, Allyson Bumbray (Quentin) and Dana Bailey; two great grandchildren, Ava Bailey and Aiden Robertson and a host of loving extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Repast will be at First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, immediately after the service.
Boy, am I going to miss Uncle Shirley!! Your smile and laugh was contagious! May you RIP with all that went before you!
Love,
Jennifer Swanson
Velma, sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the passing of your rock, and a great man, Shirley. He leaves us with great memories of his kindness, and visions of his smile and laughter. Praying for your peace and comfort. Love to you all. Cousin Karen Barbour
Shirley Bailey…a man of joy, laughter and faith has left us . His legacy is one of kindness, friendship and
encourgement. Yes he’s gone but not lost for we know he claimed the promise of the Resurrection & eternal life. I’ll miss our talks. Rev. Kent Jeter
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Bailey, Mark, Portia, Stephanie, Ally, Quentin, Mark, Amanda, Dana and the great grands. I will miss Dad’s calls to Mr. Bailey after “threatening” me that he would call him on account of me interfering with his cooking techniques claiming “too many cooks in the kitchen”. I will miss his tremendous singing voice and humor. I know that Mr. Bailey will rest well in the arms of Jesus.