Tom was born in Gainesville and was raised in Belmont, GA, where he graduated from South Hall High School. After graduation, Tom moved to Athens where he began working in the construction field and went on work with Proctor and Gamble as a Sales Merchandiser for many years. He finished is working career in automobile sales. He was a member of Belmont Baptist Church, the State Defense Force, the Porsche Club of America and the Sports Car Club of America. He was an avid "Car Guy" and a miniature railroad "train" enthusiast.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas David Bailes and Frances Lancaster Bailes.
Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jerri Blackburn Bailes of Athens, three sisters, Tammy Moon and her husband, Steve; Sara Mitchell and her husband, Donnie, all of Belmont; and Nancy Loggins and her husband, Eric, of Kentucky; sister-in-law, Tranna Spatz and her husband, Jeff, of Savannah; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
The family will receive friends and family from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Friday, February 7, 2025, in Bernstein Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Reverend Bill Compton.
Burial will follow in Belmont Baptist Church Cemetery at 3:00 PM on Friday afternoon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Army Historical Society.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
