Thomas Charles Bailey

On April 22, 1933 Jay Best and Ruth Forte Bailey welcomed the birth of a beautiful baby boy they named Thomas Charles Bailey. Nurtured in a family of love, faith and laughter; T. C. joined Tate Temple Church of God in Christ at a young age and remained a faithful member until his passing. Thomas was a graduate of Peake High School and was one of the popular Bailey boys. He married Hazel Brown and they shared a beautiful life of fifty eight years together. To this union two beautiful daughters were born. “T.C.” or “Top Cat” as he was commonly known loved to work and always made sure he provided for his family. He worked at the Nesbitt Bottling Company, International Paper Company and Mosley Brake Shoe Company. After retirement, he began working at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia until his health begin to decline. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed all outdoor sports and he loved football. T.C. was a stylish man who took pride in his everyday wear. On Monday, October 14, 2013 with his beloved Hazel, children and grandchildren by his side he passed into the Lord’s embrace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay Best and Ruth Bailey; his sister Shirley Jones; his brothers, Frabor Pride, Frank, Coy and Major Bailey. He leaves to celebrate and cherish his life’s journey: His loving and devoted wife, Hazel Bailey; two daughters, Yvonne Dixon of Arkadelphia, and Kathy Williams Fletcher of Arkadelphia; his grandchildren, Joseph, John, Shukeina, Josh, Shytirra, DauSha and Na’Sha; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dodie Nevels of Mt. Pine, AR, and Ruth L. White of Arkadelphia; three brothers, Eddie (Linda) Bailey of Gurdon, AR, Jay Best (Ester) Bailey of Arkadelphia and Earl (Belinda) Bailey of Arkadelphia; his sister-in-law, Earline Bailey of Arkadelphia; his brother-in-law, Willie Jones of Arkadelphia, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, other relatives and friends. Public visitation will be Friday, October 18th from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. at St Paul A.M.E. Church. Superintendent LeRoy Williams the pastor of Tate Temple C.O.G.I.C. will preach the celebration message. The interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Joan.