John Albert Bailey

A native of England, Dr. Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in pure and applied mathematics at the University of London in 1957 and both bachelors and doctoral degrees in metallurgy at the University College of Swansea, University of Wales in 1960 and 1963, respectively.

Dr. John Bailey joined the NC State Faculty as an associate professor in 1967 and became full professor in 1972. He was the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering’s head from 1984 to 1992.

He was proud recipient of the prestigious Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal in 2001 for his academic excellence. He enjoyed many years doing research for US Army Research.

Prior to coming to NC State, he served on the faculty at the Georgia Institute of Technology from 1964 to 1967.

John’s joys in life were spending time with friends at the local pub, who referred to him as “Doc” and time with his cherished family. He loved watching old westerns and was an avid reader of science.

He had a passion for cycling, as he was a semi professional cyclist growing up in Liverpool. He brought his love of cycling with him by cycling to work at NCSU for years. He was also a train and space enthusiast.

John will be so missed by many.

John was known for his astute wisdom, sense of humor and jovial laugh and was loved and admired by all that were blessed to have met him.

John is survived by his beloved wife Anne of 61 years of marriage.

His daughters; Michelle/husband Terry, Sharon/husband David.

His loving sister Joan Benson/husband John and all his loving nephews and family from Tarleton England. Also, had many loved ones in Swansea, South Wales.

Dads life passion was mentoring undergraduates towards their career goals/success.

In Lieu of flowers: He would to provide scholarship opportunities to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. https://go.ncsu.edu/maegeneralscholarship