John P. Bailey, 91, of North Little Rock died Friday, December 19, 2008. He was born October 12, 1917 in Sebree, Kentucky to John P. and Mary Wilson Bailey. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Dr. Joe Z. and Kate Bailey of Conway, Arkansas.
A veteran of World Wart II, Mr. Bailey served in the Pacific as a member of the railroad battalion and was instrumental in reorganizing the railway system in Korea and the Philippines.
Serving as an employee of Missouri Pacific Railroad, he retired after 36 years of service.
Mr. Bailey was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church, Big Rock Masonic Lodge, and Scottish Rite Bodies where he was a 32 degree KCCH, the Camp Robinson Duffers? Club, and was a charter member of the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Many times he gave of himself as a counselor for individuals suffering from alcoholism because of his generosity of spirit and love for his fellow man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose sense of humor never failed, even in his last days.
His wife of 72 years, Mary Louise Reynolds Bailey, predeceased him on December 16, 2007.
Surviving him are his son, John Paul Bailey and wife Lyla of North Little Rock and his daughter, Marianne Bailey Wilcox and husband Frank of Monroe, Louisiana, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers will be Patrick Henry Hayes, Chuck Lange, Jim Robertson, Larry Hogue and grandsons, Blake Wilcox and Taylor Bailey. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Roy Nix Sunday School Class at Park Hill Baptist Church.
Special love and appreciation goes to Arkansas Hospice and caregivers, Jana Holland, Bettie Milam and Mary Etheridge.
Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 E. C, St. North Little Rock, AR 72116 or Wolfe Street Foundation, Inc. at 1210 Wolfe Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 21, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, December 22. at 10 a.m. at Park Hill Baptist Church. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas.
The family will receive friends at 6103 Partridge Lane, Quail Creek, North Little Rock following services. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
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