In Loving Memory of Gary Charles Bailey

Gary Charles Bailey was born on May 31, 1962, to Herbert and Dorothy Bailey in Lineville, Alabama. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Smith, in 1982. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Samantha and Amanda.

Gary was an avid sports fan, particularly of SEC football and NASCAR. He enjoyed playing church league softball and basketball whenever he had the opportunity. He loved motorcycles and could often be found watching car restoration shows. One of his favorite possessions was his 1961 Chevrolet Apache, which he always hoped to one day restore.

A carpenter by trade, Gary had a true gift for working with his hands and enjoyed woodworking. He was an active member of Carpenters for Christ for many years and was blessed to participate in several mission trips to Brazil and Honduras, where he helped build churches and serve others.

After retiring in 2024, Gary embraced one of his greatest roles yet—becoming “G” to his two granddaughters, Lilah Rae and Lennon. They were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment with them. One of their favorite traditions was going to lunch at CiCi’s, a tradition they had enjoyed together on the very last day of summer.

Gary was famous for bringing home random animals and his most recent rescue was two bunnies. He created a sweet refuge for them and they became his joy. He shared that passion with his daughter Samantha. Together they discussed their habits and tunnels, what food they liked best and their reactions to all things.

Another great joy in Gary’s life was walking his daughter Amanda down the aisle in Cabo San Lucas in April and giving her hand in marriage to his son-in-law, Justin Ware. Justin was everything Gary and Pam had prayed for in a life partner for Amanda. He became not only a beloved son-in-law, but the son Gary had always wanted.

Gary made friends easily and was a great friend to everyone who accepted him just as he was. He was never one to put on airs. He was a straight shooter, genuine and unapologetically himself, with a heart bigger than most. Gary loved deeply, lived authentically, and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be sorely missed by all who love him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Dorothy Bailey, and his mother-in-law, Betty Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam Bailey; his daughters, Samantha and Amanda; son-in-law, Justin Ware; granddaughters, Lilah Rae and Lennon; brother, James Bailey (Patricia) of Wadley; sisters, Rhonda Catrett (Tim) of Lineville and Kelli Haydon (Keith)of Spring Texas; father-in-law, Ed Smith of Lineville; brother-in-law, Steve Smith (Nancy) of Richmond, Virginia; sister-in-law, Debbie King (Allen) of Hoover, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends galore.

Gary met his Savior face to face on August 14, 2026.

While our hearts are broken by his absence, we have peace knowing that Gary is whole, healed, and home in Heaven. We know that one day, he will be there to greet us when we join him.

Until then, we will carry his memory in our hearts, cherish the stories he left us, and be grateful for the love, laughter, and life we were blessed to share with him.

Until we see you again G, We Love ya, mean it.

The family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Daphne, AL, Friday, August 21, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC.
27409 U S HWY 98, DAPHNE, AL 36526
(251) 625-2900