Thomas Wesley Bailey

Thomas Wesley "Wes" Bailey, age 79, passed away Monday, August 1, 2011. Born September 10, 1931 in Augusta GA, he was the son of the late John Samuel Bailey, Jr. and Myrtle Crawford Bailey. After graduating from Richmond County Schools in Augusta, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1954. Wes entered Georgia Tech in 1955 and graduated as a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering in the Class of 1959. During that same year, he married the love of his life, Jean McClellan on February 14, 1959. Wes began his professional career at American Standard in Louisville KY and later worked for Diamond Brothers Furniture in Swainsboro GA and Futorian Corporation in New Albany MS. In 1968, Wes was transferred to Rocky Mount to serve as Production Manager for Barcalounger. After 25 years with Barcalounger, he retired in 1991 as Vice President of Manufacturing. Wes was a strong leader in the community being very involved in many organizations. During his tenure with Barcalounger he held many leadership roles in the Rocky Mount Industrial Organization. He also served as President of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club, as an officer for the Global Transpark, member and Chairman of the Rocky Mount Airport Authority, and a member of the City of Rocky Mount Central City Revitalization Panel. He was also a member of Englewood United Methodist Church where he enjoyed many hours cooking peanuts with his fellow United Methodist Men. A loving husband and father, Wes leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Jean Bailey; daughter, Missy Laing and husband Brian of Charlotte NC; son, Mitchell Bailey and wife Jennifer of Roswell GA; and four grandchildren, McClellan and Jackson Laing and Catherine and Elizabeth Bailey. He will also be remembered by his sister, Audrey Watkins and husband Randy; brother, John S. Bailey III and wife Mary, both of Evans GA; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. The family will receive friends 7:00pm to 8:30pm Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Wes will be held at 11:00am Thursday at Englewood United Methodist Church with Rev. David Benson officiating. Burial will take place at Westover Memorial Park in Augusta GA at a later date. Flowers will be accepted and, memorials may be made to Tar River Choral Orchestra, P.O. Box 8255. Rocky Mount NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 8/3, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Location Not Available Thursday 8/4, 11:00 am Cemetery