Robert Bailey
Mr. Robert Lee Bailey was born on July 4, 1938, to the late Mrs. Edna Moore Bailey and Mr. Leroy Bailey in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and departed this earthly life on June 20, 2021 (Father’s Day). He accepted Christ at an early age and raised his children in Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he served as a Deacon and member of the male chorus. In his later years and until his death, he was a faithful member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church where he was a member of the male chorus.
Robert was a member of the Howard High School, class of 1956. He was also a member of the United States Navy. He was married to his devoted wife, Patricia Nix Bailey, and together they raised two sons and two daughters.
He completed drafting school before realizing his dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 1978. While attending UTC, he was president of the Black Student Association and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Robert Lee lived a life of service serving as a Hamilton County Court Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer. Tennessee Valley Authority Public Safety Officer and Erlanger Hospital Nurse. He was a member of the Nurses’ Guild. Robert Bailey was a man of many talents. He was an artist and an exceptional cook. His passion for cooking led him to open his restaurant, RB’s Soul Food, located on 9th Street (MLK). There is no one that Robert would not help. He inspired and encouraged many to continue their education.
Robert was a member of Armistice Lodge #440 for over fifty (50) years. He served as Recording Secretary of the Lodge for many years. He served as Chief Antler of James E. Kelly Council #118 and Unit Commander of Lookout Mountain Marching Unit #440. He was a member of Lodge’s Education Department. He served as Secretary of the Past State President Council and as Recording Secretary of the Tennessee State Association. Robert also held the Degree of Past Grand Exalted Ruler and was recognized as 1998 Elk of the Year.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Vernon Bailey; brothers, Willie and George Bailey; sister, Bobbie Bailey; great-granddaughter, Ahmya Calloway
He is survived by his son, Jefferey L. Bailey (Quanita); and two daughters, Robbie Bailey and Darnita Bailey Dyer (Marques); 11 grandchildren, Orienthial “Dee” Bailey (Sandra), Darnima Tichelle Calloway, Jeffrey Bailey, Ammiel Bailey, Jareon Bailey, Cordelia “Bubbles” Abram (Byron), Robert “Shai” Bailey Dix, Elani Bailey, Malachi Dyer, Micah Dyer, and Trinity Dyer. Robert has 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his sister, Gertrude “Babysister” (Sammie) Perkins; sister-in-law, Pattie Johnson. Robert leaves a host of other relatives and friends.
As Robert’s health began to decline, he had special friends (honorary family members) that stood in the gap and assisted with his transportation and other needs. Thank you to Natalie (Jeff) Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Milliken, Sylvia Green, and Inza Hagins-Dyer. Thank you for ALWAYS only being a phone call away.
Public viewing will be held, 2:00 PM-6:00 PM, Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, July 2, 2021, at Mount Canaan Baptist Church , 4801 Hwy 58, 423-624-4080.
Interment: CHattanooga National Cemetery, Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.