Virgil Wayne Bailey Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Virgil Wayne Bailey, Sr, affectionately known to many of his friends as Red and Toothpick to his grandchildren, age 95, of Olathe, Kansas. He passed peacefully away Tuesday October 13, 2026 surrounded by family.

Wayne lived a life full of kindness, strength, and endless hope.

He was born at home on Wednesday June 10, 1931 in Springhill, Kansas, the eldest son of Ralph Palmore Bailey and Ethel Irene (Fuller) Bailey. He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 63 years Dorothy Mae (Mott) Bailey.

He is survived by his children, Virgil Wayne Bailey Jr. and his wife Lisa, Joleen McClintock and her husband Billy, Randy Jay Bailey and his wife Jonette, and Sherri Lynn Grant and her husband Clay. He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren: Brian Bailey, Kelly Bishop, Kimberly Ramirez, Ashley Cherry (Zack), Lacey Bailey, Baille Gochenour (Andrew) and Josh Besanceney. And 3 step grandchildren: Jason Bell, Jered Bell, Jordan Bell. Also, his 9 great-grandchildren: Gracie, William, Benjamin, Evelyn, Jaxon, Ryleigh, Skyler, Paytin, Rosie. His siblings: Alvin J. Bailey, Donald A. Bailey, Betty L. Cribb, Retha Corbett-McReynolds, Darius, Freda Miller, Neva Joplin, Teresa Todd, Dale Bailey.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army for 18 months. He was granted a military hardship discharge to help provide his mother with support in caring for his siblings. While in the military he served as a lineman and a telephone operator. After his discharge he went to work for Halls Trucking line for 32 years. Then he worked as a supervisor for the Olathe School district for 13 years.

His favorite place was “The Farm” in Overbrook, Kansas. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoyed puttering on his land. Being informed of current events was an important part of his day. He instilled honesty and integrity in his family. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy.

His legacy will carry on Forever reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and hope.

Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, October 18th starting at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. A chapel funeral service will take place on Monday afternoon October 19th at the funeral home McGilley & Frye starting at 1:00 p.m. Interment with full Military Honors will immediately follow the funeral service in Newcomer’s Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 South Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS.