Clyde Elmer Bailey, a resident of Thomasville, North Carolina, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on April 4, 1937, Clyde was a dedicated member of his community, a helper through and through, and a loving family man.
He served in the NC National Guard for six years, demonstrating his commitment to his country. In his community, he was actively involved with the Thomasville Planning & Zoning Board. A longtime member of Fair Grove Church in Thomasville, Clyde served on the pastoral committee, was a trustee, and participated on the administration board, contributing significantly to the church's mission and activities.
Clyde enjoyed trips to the beach with his family. He was also a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Redskins, and the Carolina Panthers. Watching his teams play brought him immense joy.
He was married to Sarah Wright Bailey for 65 years. Together, they built a loving family, including his daughters Kimberly Bailey, Lacey Key (Mark), and Karen Byerly (Greg). He cherished his role as a father, teaching his daughters how to drive and perform car maintenance on the family’s Chevrolet Caprice Classic, affectionately known as the Land Yacht. These lessons were filled with patience, encouragement, laughter, and love. When his daughters were young, he had a paper route and brought them along with him during the summers, which often ended in stops at The Humpty Dumpty to get 2-liter glass bottle drinks. Long, hot days in the back seat of his Volkswagen Beetle—and later his Datsun Honey B, felt endless back then, but now they are treasures they hold close to their hearts.
Left to cherish Clyde’s memory are his wife, Sarah Wright Bailey; his daughters, Kimberly Bailey, Lacey Key (Mark), and Karen Byerly (Greg); his sisters, Martha Myers, Barbara Johnson (JC), and Brenda Hill; his grandchildren, Kelly Black (Mike), Travis Vertefeuille (Raegan), Christian Key (Emilee), and Caleb Byerly; and his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Ryan, Zalen, Pyper, and Carson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Clark Bailey and Karen Grubb Bailey, three sisters and three brothers.
Clyde was a warrior in every sense of the word—strong, compassionate, faithful, and generous. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his community, and his country. Clyde loved deeply, gave freely, and left an imprint on everyone who knew him. His contributions and presence will be deeply missed.
A funeral service for Clyde will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations, 18 Randolph St., Thomasville, NC. Interment will follow in Fair Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends the evening prior on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
His faith wasn’t loud, but it was strong, steady, and lived out daily. We have no doubt he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and was welcomed home with open arms. We rejoice knowing that his race is finished, his suffering is over, and he is whole, healed, and at peace in the presence of the Lord.
The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisThomasville.com - select obituaries.
