He was born on November 24, 1954 in Greenville, SC to the late Walter Bailey Sr. and the late Alene Payne Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Pat Blalock.
Buddy had many passions in life, but a few of them included being a history buff, where he loved gaining knowledge about anything that was War related, he was a sports fan who was a die-hard Cowboys and South Carolina Game Cocks supporter, hands down Elvis Presley’s #1 fan, and loved tending to his yard, which was very special to him and others in the neighborhood noticed. Aside from all of these things, the most important thing to Buddy in the world was his family. He was a proud husband to his wife, Brenda, of 37 years, a proud father to 4 beautiful women, a proud grandpa and even a great-grandpa. One of his favorite past times with his family was pranking and scaring his children, and was even voted as class clown in high school.
Buddy served as a police officer in the 70’s and 80’s at the Lowell Police Department, which he loved doing. He then switched his career to Duke Energy, Catawba Nuclear Station as a security officer.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Bailey; daughters, Christy King (Jeramie), Kimberly Bailey (Ashley Craig), Carrie Bailey, Lauren Bailey; step-son, David Waldroup (Jessi); grandchildren, Emily Hord, Ty King, Colin Jernigan (Kate), Caden Jernigan (Alexis Morgan), Preston Howell, Kaytlin Waldroup; Trenton Waldroup; great-grandchild, Amberly Jernigan; sister, Jane Rivelle; and last but not least, his grand-pup, Bella.
A visitation for Buddy will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054. The committal service will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054.
Flowers are welcomed by the family, but if you feel the need to donate elsewhere, then please consider making a donation to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital OR The American Cancer Society.
