Palmer Dean Bailey, 90

Palmer Dean Bailey, 90, of Ellenboro, died Friday, June 23, 2023.

Palmer was the son of the late Henry and Una Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Bobby Bailey, Freddy Bailey, Emogene Hamrick, and Rachel McKinney. He was a US Navy Veteran having served on the USS Saint Paul during the Korean War. Palmer was a sales representative at Charles Watkins Automobiles for over 40 years. He was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, youth league softball coach, and cemetery manager. He loved farming, and was also a baseball enthusiast both as a player and a fan. 

He is survived by his wife, Frances Gettys Bailey; his daughter, Debbie Bailey Smith; his sons, Ronnie Bailey (Amy), and Scott Bailey (Jill); his sister, Sally Jo Mann, and sister-in-law, Fay Bailey; his six grandchildren, Bailey Smith Jones(Trase), Ryley Smith(Rachel), Joshua Bailey(Callista), Patrick Bowman, Katy Branch (Russ) and Hope Bailey; and a great granddaughter, Rynnlee Smith. 

The Funeral will be conducted at 4:00 pm Monday, June 26, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church. The Rev. Paul Scott will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites rendered by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Harold Bailey, Chris Blalock, Randy McKinney, Ricky McKinney, Mike Rice, and Tim Ridenhour. 

The Visitation will be from 2 pm until 3:45 pm Monday in the Family Life Center prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 633, Ellenboro, NC 28040 or Bethel Baptist Church Veterans Memorial Fund, PO Box 633, Ellenboro, NC 28040.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.