John Allen Bailey

He was the oldest of three born to Ola Mae Bailey and the late John Bailey Sr. After graduating from Simmons High School in Arkansas he relocated to California in 1960 and later married Rilean Ruby Chappelle.

John was one of the first black firefighters and engineers for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He was a member of The Stentorians Los Angeles County Black Firefighters. John achieved many awards while serving 35 plus years working for the fire department. The two stations he chose to work were 38 and 58.

A great moment in John's life was when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. In 1983 he joined Friendship Baptist Church in Fullerton, California.

John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. His home was always open and the hub of many gatherings for family and friends. John was known for his legendary barbecue, fish fries and deer roast. John was also known by his friends to love the game of dominoes, playing cards, and always joking. John traveled to Arkansas numerous times each year to visit his mother.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Rilean Ruby Bailey; his mother Ola Mae Bailey; son, Jonathan Anthony Bailey (Kathy Trinnette); siblings, Helen Pruitt, Ernest Bailey and Willie "Luke" Bailey; grandchildren, Jonathan Emery Bailey, Jonah Ashton Bailey, Sydney Elise Bailey, Jacob Brennan Bailey and Joshua Allen Bailey; numerous aunts and uncles, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

John was known for answering the phone saying "YO" and when asked how he was doing, replying, "tolerable well"