Grady Coleman Bailey Sr.

Grady Coleman Bailey, Sr., resident of Newland, NC, went peacefully home to the Lord on Monday, September 25, 2023 after months of declining health.

Grady was born September 16, 1936 to John Galloway Bailey and Cassie Mae Mills Bailey in Black Jack, NC.  He was the oldest of three children.  He graduated from Chicod High School in 1954.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1959 from East Carolina College, and completed his Master of Arts in Education in 1969, at – by then – his beloved East Carolina University.

He taught and coached for many years, and was very proud of the accomplishments of all his students, especially his wrestling teams' state championships.  Grady was one of an elite group of coaches certified to have teams make state playoffs in seven different sports.  He enjoyed reading, and attending ECU football games.

His devotion to others was one of Grady’s most noteworthy qualities.  In addition to tutoring students, whether for an S.A.T. or G.E.D., he served on the board of the First Christian Church in Farmville, NC, and taught the Men's Bible Class for many years.

Grady was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cassie Mae.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Miriam Virginia Taylor Bailey; daughter Sarah Virginia Bailey Carlson (Steve); son Grady Coleman Bailey, Jr. (Lynn); and grandchildren Geordie Murdoch Donavant, Daigen Philip Donavant, Grady Coleman Bailey III, and Cassie Elizabeth Bailey; his brother John Louis Bailey (Murldene); sister, Sarah Ann Bailey Smith (John), and his beloved brother-in-law Isaac Willoughby Taylor (the late Mildred Taylor); and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, at the First Christian Church in Farmville, NC.  Pastor Morgan Daughety will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 29, at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grady's memory to the First Christian Church (FCC) Memorial Fund, PO Box 205, Farmville NC 27828.

Online condolences may be made at www.farvmillefh.com.

Arrangements are by Farmville Funeral Home.

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