James "Frank" Franklin Bailey

James Franklin “Frank” Bailey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 17, 1944, in Florence, Alabama, Frank was the son of Rufus Shelvin Bailey and Velma Lou Nix Bailey.

Frank married Joan Dialtha Cromer, on September 3, 1966, in Mobile, Alabama, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades and created a family rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering support.

After graduating from Alabama College in 1967, Frank worked at Gateway Children's Home in Birmingham, Alabama. He then served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he attended graduate school at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he further prepared for a lifelong career dedicated to helping others.

Frank devoted his professional life to social work and serving communities in need. He worked at the Brookings Guidance Center in Brookings, South Dakota, and also assisted families at the Flandreau Indian Reservation. He later continued his social work career at the Pine Breeze Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Beginning in 1983, Frank served as a School Social Worker for the Walker County Department of Education, where he faithfully worked until his retirement in 2005. Throughout his career, he was known for his compassion, wisdom, patience, and steadfast commitment to children and families.

Frank was an active member of Steinhatchee United Methodist Church in Steinhatchee, Florida, and generously volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Rack Up Thrift Store. He found joy in woodworking, life on the water, fixing just about anything, and spending time with those he loved most. Adventurous by nature, Frank celebrated his 80th birthday by going skydiving with one of his granddaughters - a memory his family will treasure forever.

Above all else, Frank’s greatest priority was his family and friends. He was a constant source of strength, humor, guidance, and unconditional love to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Shelvin Bailey and Velma Lou Nix Bailey.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Cromer Bailey; his daughter and son-in-law, Nicole Bailey Ferro and Kyle Ferro; his cherished granddaughters, Bailey Erin Ferro and Emma Brooks Ferro, his brother, Ricky Warren Bailey; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Frank’s legacy of kindness, service, faith, and love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A Memorial Service will be held at Steinhatchee United Methodist Church - details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to:

Residing Hope

51 Children's Way Enterprise, FL 32725

or

Florida United Methodist Children's Home Madison Youth Ranch

1647 Captain Buie Road Pinetta, FL 32350