Mr. Laverne Eldon Bailey, age 75, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his wife and family, following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Bailey was a native of Washington County, TN. Laverne graduated from Lamar High School in 1958, where he excelled in varsity sports. He received his apprentice from Plumbers & Pipefitters Association.
Mr. Bailey served in the United States Army and Army Reserves. He retired from Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 538 and East Tennessee State University, State of Tennessee Consolidated System.
He was a member of Boone Trail Baptist Church, Johnson City.
Mr. Bailey coached youth softball in Johnson City Park and Rec. for many years. He was a huge fan of Ridgeview and Boone Athletics. He enjoyed watching his daughter and granddaughters play basketball, softball and volleyball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Lavada Broyles Bailey, a brother, Harold Bailey and his sister, Wanda Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irene Ward Bailey, Johnson City; daughter and son-in-law, Tonya Bailey Jenkins and Jaymie, Gray; grandchildren, Josh, Jaclyn, Jaycie and Jayden Jenkins; brother, Wayne Bailey (Patsy) and a sister, Betty Ann Gray, all of Johnson City; and brother-in-law, Bill Smith, Gray; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Dwight Jenkins and Dr. Jody Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30-7:00 pm Tuesday prior to the service.
Graveside services will be conducted 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Fairview Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Josh Jenkins, Carl Little, Mark Little, Eugene Ward, Danny Mitchell, Johnny Painter and Mike Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Brown, Wayne Bailey, Pat McQueen, Glen Ward and Don Dwyer.
Memorial donations may be made to Boone Trail Baptist Church 1985 Carroll Creek Rd. Johnson City, TN 37615 or Nolichuckey Fire Department 2634 Hwy. 107 Chuckey, TN 37641.
