Mr. David James Bailey

Born August 8th 1932, he was the son of the late Dean and Sally Bailey.

D.J. was a Devout Christian, a long time member in good standing and faithful service to the Church of God of Prophecy of Ravencliff where he was an adult Sunday school teacher. He kept his faith and trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He also taught several bible classes at Council on Aging in Itmann, WV. D.J. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He served his country well, doing 2 tours of duty in the United States Army during The Korean War.

D.J. was a coal miner with 38 years of dedicated service, in which he was very successful. Serving as a mine foreman and mine superintendant for Consolidated Coal at Itmann, WV.

He dedicated himself to and took great pride in helping create a safe work environment for himself and his co-workers. He won several safety awards; helped set numerous production records, and was respected and loved by many.

In addition to his parents he was proceeded in death by 4 of his 8 siblings, 2 brothers, Carl Bailey of Ravencliff and Noel Bailey of Jacksonville, Fl; sisters, Cora Stewart and Norma Lafferty both of Ravencliff, WV.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry his legacy include his loyal and devoted wife of 62 years, Frances Estella Bailey; 6 children, Wanda Mitchem and her husband Jeff of Bud, Debbie Mills and her husband Kenny of Beckley, David Bailey of Cabin Creek, Greta Palmer and husband Mike of Pace FL, twin son’s Troy Bailey and wife Debbie of Crab Orchard, and Roy Bailey and wife Debbie of Herndon Heights; 16 grandchildren and 30 great- grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are his 4 siblings, Virginia Cozort Of Martinsville, VA, Dale Bailey and wife Eunice of Stewart, VA, Bill Bailey and wife Shirley of Martinsville, VA, and Josie Deffinbaugh of Covington, VA, and a host of brother- in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered most for his love of a steadfast devotion to “God”, his wife and family.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley with Rev. Michael Dempsey officiating.

Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers; Matt Bailey, David Aaron Bailey, Jonathan McKinney, Adam Bailey, Shawn Mills, and Leigh Hall.

Friends may gather with the family Saturday from 1 - 2 PM at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Dr. Beckley, WV.