Richard Lawrence Bailey

Richard Lawrence Bailey November 4, 1947 – July 22, 2026 Richard Lawrence Bailey passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering devotion, hard work, and deep love for his family and his country. Born on November 4, 1947, in Bruce, Mississippi, Rick was the youngest of five children born to Richard Selvin and Ina Christine Bailey. To his parents and siblings, he was always “Ricky.” To his family and lifelong friends, he was “Rick.” His daughters proudly called him “Daddy,” and to his grandchildren, he was simply “Paw Paw”, the name he treasured most. Rick grew up alongside his brothers and sisters, Rex, Max, Bett, and Doris. Even as a young boy, he possessed a remarkable talent for fixing things. He turned that gift into a neighborhood television and electronics repair shop, saving enough money to purchase his very first car, a midnight blue Pontiac GTO, a car he was incredibly proud of. That natural curiosity and mechanical ability would shape the course of his life. Immediately after graduating from high school, Rick answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. A proud patriot, he served with honor and distinction, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Parachute Badge before receiving an Honorable Discharge in June 1974. Following his military service, Rick built a long and respected career as a telecommunications engineer. Throughout the years, he shared his talents with several major companies, including RCA, TSA, Northern Telecom, ROLM, Wiltel, GTE, and DCI. In addition, he fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream by co-founding Teldatacom alongside his close friends and colleagues, Mike Hand and David Miller. Rick’s greatest accomplishment, however, was the life he built with his family. He married the love of his life, Martha Lois (McNeelis) Bailey in 1972, and together they shared a lifetime of love and memories. He was a devoted husband, a loving father to his daughters, Angela and Amy, and proudly raised his daughter, Penny, as his own. He loved his son-in-law, Brad, as if he were his own son, and nothing brought him greater joy than being “Paw Paw” to his six beloved grandchildren: Tyler, Dylan, Gracee, Hannah, Cooper, and Caylee. Rick also had a special place in his heart for his faithful companions, Coco, his Chihuahua, and Rowdy, his West Highland Terrier, who brought him comfort and companionship through the years. One of Rick’s greatest gifts was his ability to make and keep lifelong friendships. He never met a stranger and treasured the people in his life. He leaves behind an incredible circle of friends, including Mike Hand, Mike Garrison, Ron Whitehurst, Larry Danner, Melony Timms, David Miller, Jackie Henley, and many others. During his final year, as he faced health challenges, his daughters called him every day to check on him. Whenever they heard a busy signal, they smiled, knowing he was almost certainly on the phone sharing stories and laughter with his lifelong friend, Mike Hand. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Selvin Bailey and Ina Christine Bailey; his brothers and sisters Rex, Max, Bett, and Doris; and his beloved daughter, Mary Ann Burns, affectionately known to all as “Penny.” Rick will be remembered as a hardworking provider, a gifted problem-solver, a story teller, a proud veteran, a devoted family man, a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, and a fiercely loyal friend. More than anything, he will be remembered for the love he gave so freely to those around him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten by all who were blessed to know him. A Standard Military Honors burial will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.” 14 John 1-3

Richard Lawrence Bailey

November 4, 1947 - July 22, 2026

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