Eddie Bernard Bailey

Eddie Bernard Bailey's journey of life began in Hot Springs, Arkansas on May 17, 1958. He was the first child of Eddie and Linda Ruth Jackson Bailey. His parents taught him to adhere to high morals, spiritual, and educational values.

He accepted Christ at a young age. Eddie was a 1977 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. He was a member of Victory Temple COGIC where he served in several capacities as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member.

Eddie married the apple of his eye, Zina Murphy on August 17, 1996, and their family was made complete with six children. Eddie worked for West Frasier in Leola, Arkansas for years until his retirement. He was a stalwart provider and made sure that his children’s every need was met. He encouraged his only daughter to be a wholesome and complete woman and his sons to be gentlemen and providers. He modeled what a genuine husband, father, pawpaw, son, brother, and true friend is.

Being from the south, he was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and just about any outdoor activity. He was a strong and very vocal supporter and fan of the Green Bay Packers. He loved mowing, listening to all types of gospel music and he was a car enthusiast. He was often spotted around town driving his trademark white 1990 Ford Mustang convertible listening to gospel music.

His life was rewarding, full, and blessed. On Monday, January 4, 2021, he slipped the bonds of this life for a life in eternity. His independent spirit, iron will, and strong character will never be duplicated but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Bailey (November 20, 2020); and a grandson, Aden Tristan Bailey (March 23, 2012).
A lifetime of love and memories will be forever felt by his wife, Zina; his children, Gerard Bailey of Malvern, AR, Gerrell (Jessica) Bailey of Jacksonville, AR, Amber (Brandon) Brownlee, Ryan Bailey, Braylon Bailey, and Evan Bailey all of Arkadelphia, AR, ten grandchildren, Christan, Isaiah, Aden, Adalyn, Kylan, Rylee, Aubree, Kasin, Peighton, Kayson, and Kenley; his father, Elder Eddie J. Bailey of Gurdon, AR; siblings, June Allen of Texarkana, AR, Ralphael (Shante) Bailey of Smithton, AR, Harold (Stephanie) Bailey of Arkadelphia, Valerie Turner of McKinney, TX, and Rodney (Kimberly) Bailey of Mansfield, TX. He also leaves aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends Reggie Wiggens, Lucas Gulley, and Chris Penix, and other friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be shared at noon on Monday, January 11, 2021, at the Arkadelphia Rec Center in Feaster Park. Interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Due to COVID-19, all guests will be required to register, provide their temperatures, and wear a mask upon entry.

Pallbearers will be Adrian Pollins, Ronnie Bailey, Kirk Jones, Lucas Gulley, Bryson Foreman, Derrick Middleton. The honorary pallbearers will be Roy Pollins, Jr., Brandon Brownlee, Ralph Bailey, Rodney Bailey, Harold Bailey, and Chris Penix.