L. Ray Bailey, 69, of Old Hickory passed away Sunday, July 07, 2019, at home with hospice following an extended illness.
REMEMBERING
L. Ray Bailey
He was a 2000 Belmont University graduate and a member of Tulip Grove Baptist Church. Ray enjoyed making chili, landscaping, reading, woodworking, attending reunions of his U.S. Army Kilo Company, 75th Ranger group, local Vietnam Veterans organization and spending time with grandchildren.
Ray was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, LRRP, earning various medals, including Vietnam Service Medal w/three Bronze Stars; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/“V” Device w/one Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Combat Infantryman Badge; Marksman (Rifle). He served two years with distinction as a Ranger. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will readily attest.
He retired from TVA in 2012 following 38 years of service at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Johnsonville Fossil Plant, and Gallatin Fossil Plant.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Bailey; mother, Emily Lowetta Bailey; siblings, Don Bailey, Carolyn Murphy, and Gerald Bailey.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha Hendrickson Bailey; sons, Michael Bailey (Michele) and Jeffrey Bailey; granddaughter, Shelby Bailey; and grandson, Tyler Bailey; brothers-in-laws, Ernest Hendrickson (Vickie); Howard Hendrickson (Joyce); John Hendrickson (Cindy); Roger Hendrickson (Darla); and sisters-in-laws, Brenda Hendrickson; Carolyn Munsey (Larry); and Anita Gouge (Terry); aunt, Molly Moore; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Military honor graveside service is open to friends and relatives and will be held at 1 p.m. on July 19, 2019, at Nashville National Veterans Cemetery at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fischer House, Wounded Warriors, Shriners, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Tulip Grove Baptist Church.