Dennis Allen Bailey
Dennis Allen Bailey, 67, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 20, 2025, at his home.
Born on July 20, 1957, Dennis was raised in East Ridge, and later moved to Catasauqua, Pa., with his loving wife before returning to Chattanooga with his family. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Thayer Bailey and Virginia June Love Bailey; his grandparents; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Ann Bennett Bailey; his daughter, Lisa (Garrett) Payne, of Clarksville, Tn.; his son, Greg Bailey (fiancé: Kristin Whitmire), of Ringgold; and four grandchildren: Emily Bailey, Arika Payne, Megan Payne, and Wyatt Payne.
He is also survived by his brothers, Randy (Mindy) Bailey of Peachtree Corners, GA, and Danny (Becky) Bailey of Cleveland, TN; brothers-in-law, Frank (Lisanne) Bennett and Bruce Bennett of Pennsylvania; nephews and nieces, Matthew (fiance: Sheridan von Seleen), Katie Bailey, Jacob (Aubrey) Bailey, Chris Bailey, Dan Bennett, and Kate (Brendan) MacKenzie; aunt Marie Parton; uncle Ken (Pat) Love; and many cousins. His lifelong friend, Scott (Karen) Whittington, of West Chester, PA, also survives him.
Dennis was a 1975 graduate of East Ridge High School, where he was a Tennessee State Wrestling Champion throughout his high school years. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and remained a passionate Vols fan for life. After college, he and his best friend Scott embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: a bicycle journey from Knoxville to Key West, Fl.
Professionally, Dennis held various roles, including many years in sales management with Valex Corporation in Fogelsville, Pa., and Sprint Telecom in Chattanooga, where he earned numerous accolades.
A deeply involved grandfather, Dennis found joy in supporting his grandchildren’s activities, from Girl Scout projects to sporting events. He volunteered alongside his daughter for organizations such as Operation Homefront and YAIPak’s in Clarksville, Tn.
Since retiring, Dennis and Mary Ann became enthusiastic travelers, embarking on 61 cruises across 56 countries. Some of his most treasured trips included three separate cruises to Alaska with his children and grandchildren, as well as journeys to Norway, Iceland, the Panama Canal, Australia, and the South Pacific. One of his fondest and funniest memories was attempting to ride a camel with Mary Ann in front of the Egyptian pyramids.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 4-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel, 404 S Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.
A second visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m., preceding the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Gardens – South, Rossville.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to a charity of your choice in honor of Dennis A. Bailey.