Chester Bailey

Deacon Chester Swain Bailey was born September 2, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio to Reverend King Bailey and Veaslie Swain Bailey. He was one of eight children born to this union. On Friday, July 22, 2022, Deacon Bailey surrendered to the call of God and transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home.

Chester attended school in Dayton, Ohio graduating from Dunbar HS. After graduating from high school, he worked for a few years before enlisting in the United States Army. He served in the military from 1968 to 2000, 32 years achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and traveled throughout the world. He completed licensed vocational nursing training and other medical training and worked as a practical nurse, Medical NCO and Patient Administrative Specialist at the U.S. Department of Defense. After retiring from the military at his last duty station, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he continued using his military training at the San Antonio Military Medical Center as Chief Nurse in the Burn Unit. During his military career he was awarded several decorations, medals, and badges: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NCO Professional Development Ribbon. Chester continued his education while working at SAMMC at The University of the Incarnate Word graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. On August 18, 2020, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity by the Universal Life Church.

On June 12, 1970, Chester married Sandra Rhodes Bailey and became father to her three children, Katherine (Kitty), Kathy, and Samuel (Wayne).

Chester professed his faith in Christ at an early age at Dayton Church of God and Christ under the leadership of Elder John Buffington where he was an active member. Upon moving to San Antonio, Texas he united with Greer Street Church of God under the pastorate of Rev. Isaac W. Mitchell and later Rev. James A. Daniels. In January 1999 Greer Street COG and East End COG united and he continued his membership under the pastorate of Rev. James A. Daniels. He was very active and served in many areas of the church; deacon, treasurer, trustee board, benevolence ministry, nominating ministry and food ministry. Deacon Bailey was always willing to work wherever needed. In 2022 East End Church of God relaunched as New Beginnings Ministries Church of God under the pastorate of Rev. Jonathan C. Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, his siblings: Barbara Bailey, Annie Bailey, Esther Johnson, David Bailey, Carolyn Williams, Mary Lark, and Robert Bailey.

Cherished memories and moments are left to his: three children, Katherine (Kitty) Rakestraw (Dennis) Dayton, Ohio, Kathy Rhodes-Drum (Kurt) New York, Samuel D. (Wayne) Rhodes, Schertz, Texas, grandchildren, Whitney Rhodes, Natasha Powell, Alfred Powell, 6 great grandchildren, nephew-son, Bishop Glen White Sr. (Yvonne), a great nephew-son Joshua White, a close nephew, Michael Bailey (Debbie) a host other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Chester was loved by many and will be missed by many for the beautiful life he lived.

FUNERAL SERVICE

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022

11:30 AM

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Reverend Jonathan C. Mitchell will officiate. Chesters nephew, Bishop Glen White will eulogize.

Click here to view the service of Dr. Chester Bailey