Harry Russell “Russ” Bailey, 88 of Claremont, NC went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 2nd, 2026, at The Greens of Viewmont.
Born on October 28th, 1938, in Pulaski, Oswego, New York. He was the son of the late Percival Dee Bailey, Jr. and Vernadee May Sage. Russ served for 11 years as a former US Navy Carrier Pilot. He retired in 1999 from General Electric as a Certified Purchasing Manager. After Russ retired, he was also the Disaster Relief Coordinator for The Southeastern Baptist Association in the Wilmington area. He was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Paul Noe.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Jane Bailey-Bailey; his children, Jonathan (Kelly), Raymond, Debbie and Thomas ( Heather), and as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Monday, November 16th, 2026, at 3:00 pm with Chaplain William Storm officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 29 in Lenoir, NC, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Public Broadcasting Service or The Wounded Warrior Project in Russ’ name.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Bailey Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
