John Abrams Bailey

He was born on July 16, 1938, in Clinton, South Carolina, the son of the late Washington Drummond and Effie Rena Abrams Bailey. John was married to Katherine Bailey for 43 years until her passing in 2007, and had not removed his wedding ring since. They moved to the Nashville area in 1966, and have been residents of Hermitage since 1968. He worked for the United Methodist Publishing House and retired after 29 years of service. John was a Mason in Greenwood, South Carolina, a member of Nashville American Federation of Musicians Local 257 and of the Army Reserve. He played bass and had the opportunity to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing chess and was a fan of WWII airplanes. Above all else, John was an excellent husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Katherine Bailey; sister, Mary Lou Hagen, and brother-in-law, Albert Lee Hagen.

He is survived by his son, Lawrence W. Bailey; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bailey; grandson, Kevin Bailey; nephews, Tommy and Jimmy Hagen, and several other relatives and friends.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, February 20, 2017 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Hermitage Funeral Home, and also on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Hermitage Funeral Home with Celebrant Wendell Poole Officiating.

The Bailey family is accepting flowers or donations to be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, Iowa 50037-0839 in honor of John Bailey.

Arrangements under the direction of Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Old Hickory, Tennessee.