Leon Bailey Obituary

Leon "Sonny" Bailey
06/08/2025
Leon J. "Sonny" Bailey, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Kentucky on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Born on January 4, 1940, to Luella and Leon Bailey, Sr. From the very beginning, his life was marked by strong values, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.
Leon graduated from Honor High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Army. On January 4, 1964, a day already special as his birthday, he married the love of his life, Mary (Anderson) Bailey. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and the joy of raising a family.
Leon is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Stacey (Bailey) Bryant, her husband, Dane and their two children, Benjamin and Bailey. He is also survived by his late son, Derek's, beloved children: Nimkees, Kihew, and Maengun, each a cherished piece of his legacy. He is also survived by his siblings, Marie Cote, Russell "Buss" Bailey, Lawrence "Camp" (Judy) Bailey, Carolyn Bailey, Allen "Yogi" (Kathy) Bailey, and Mike (Karen) Bailey; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Mary; and his son, Derek-a loss he bore with grace and unshakable faith. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Vernon "Toot" Bailey.
After retiring from Consumer's Energy in 2001, Leon embraced the quiet beauty of retirement in Tennessee and Kentucky. Yet even in those restful years, he remained full of purpose, especially when it came to his faith and family.
A devoted man of God, Leon was deeply involved in church ministry and community life. Family was the heartbeat of his world. He rarely missed a family event, and only illness could keep him away. He joyfully coached a men's church softball team, his daughter's youth team, and countless young basketball players; later emerging from "retirement" just to coach his grandson Benjamin's team. He delighted in watching his granddaughter Bailey perform on stage, proudly declaring, "I love it when she belts it out, she's just this little thing with a big voice!"
Leon's love for the outdoors was a lifelong passion. He was an avid hunter who passed down not just the skill, but the tradition, teaching both his son-in-law and grandson the "Bailey way" of doing things right.
Known for his unmistakable sense of humor, Leon had a gift for making people laugh-often to the point of tears. His quick wit and perfectly timed quips filled rooms with joy. He adored family, relished good food, and never missed a chance to share a laugh-especially at his own jokes.
Leon J. Bailey, Jr., lived a life full of faith, family, service, and joy. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A funeral service was held on June 17 at Jowett Family Funeral Home. Burial in Homestead Twp Cemetery. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.