Rev. Robert Lee Bailey

October 18, 1935 - September 9, 2025

Reverend Robert L. Bailey entered this world on October 18, 1935, in Lynchburg, Moore County, Tennessee, born to the late James and Virginia Gladys Reese Bailey. His gentle and compassionate soul departed peacefully on September 9, 2025.

He completed his early education at West End High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee, before earning his diploma from the American School in Chicago, Illinois. Rev. Bailey pursued his passion for ministry through theology classes at Motlow Community College, focusing on the “Surveying the New Testament” program. He also attended theological seminars in Dallas, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi, and completed additional coursework at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

Called to the pulpit during his time at May’s Chapel AME Church, Rev. Bailey joined the East Tennessee Conference in 1961. He was ordained as a deacon in 1966 and elevated to elder in 1967.

His pastoral journey began with a circuit serving congregations in Dowelltown and Sparta, Tennessee. Over the years in the East Tennessee Conference, he led beloved churches including Allen Chapel in Estill Springs; Mt. View in Decherd; Raybon Chapel in Cowen; Solomon Chapel in Fayetteville; Berry’s Chapel in Lynchburg; Campbell’s Chapel in Pulaski; May’s Chapel in Fayetteville; St. John in Mulberry; Roundhill in Lynnville; and Brown’s Temple in Fayetteville.

Later transferring to the Tennessee Conference, Rev. Bailey served Woodfork Chapel in Shelbyville and Bethel Chapel in Columbia. He retired from active pastoring in 2002, capping a dedicated 45-year career in ministry.

In retirement, he returned to his home congregation, May’s Chapel in Fayetteville, where he continued preaching and serving until the end. He also offered his wisdom at other churches, stepping in as needed when fellow pastors were unavailable.

Rev. Bailey held a deep affection for people, delving into Scripture, delivering sermons, and tending the land through farming. Among his favorite pastimes were nourishing local wildlife, cultivating gardens, crafting walking canes, and enjoying the pursuits of hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Ella Jean Cunningham Bailey; his sons, Christopher Lee Bailey and Cedric Bailey; his sisters, Lelia M. Bailey, Mary Ann (James) Thomas, and Edith (Marvin) Shoulders, and sister-in-law, Patricia Bailey; along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Bailey Jr. and Willie Bailey, as well as his first wife, Purnie Marie Vance Bailey, mother of his sons.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.

Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Rev. Robert L. Bailey.

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