Larry Dean Bailey

My father, Larry, passed away on February 21st, 2023.  His passing taught me just how precious life is.   He made sure I realized that you can’t wait to lead the life you want to lead.  You should be doing all that you can to live better now. “Well the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore.”

Larry Dean Bailey ended up being a lot of things. A son, brother, husband, father, pa, mechanic, fisherman, coach, and mentor to so many others. Through it all, he was an exceptional good guy. Always trying to do the right thing and be there for other people. He was always there for our family, his three children and spouses, grandchildren, friends, his church family and truly anyone that needed his help.  My father was humble and loved the Lord and others throughout his journey on this earth.

My father and mother were high school sweethearts. The love they shared was truly remarkable and inspiring to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting them. Most of all they loved to spend time alone as well as treasuring their family making memories on vacations, gatherings at the houses, and of course our weekend spot at the lake. I loved seeing the smile on their faces anytime we were together and of course, the smiles and laughter when they were telling stories about their relationship. Those were the things that kept their love strong throughout their beautiful years together. I hope to always remember the memories and glorious days they shared.

Dad had the great pleasure of working for over 47 years as a mechanic, doing work he cherished. Not everyone gets to say the same thing. More importantly, my dad made it a priority to enjoy time with the ones he loved, doing things he enjoyed. Even when my dad sacrificed nights and weekends to keep up with the workload, he would always make sure no matter what his family was put before anything.

The greatest gift my dad gave me was teaching me to be a fisherman. My dad was one of the greatest fishermen and was relentless and passionate on the water.  Spending time on the water was how my dad and I understood each other the best. I could go on and on with all of the amazing adventures and memories we created before he went to the real fishing hole to fish. Believe me when I say, he will know all of the good places to fish when we are reunited. And what a blessing that will be.

I want to talk briefly about what my dad leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Donna Roy Bailey of Lexington; two sons, Larry Allen (Heather Lee) Bailey of Nicholasville, Nolan (Brooke) Bailey of Lexington; one daughter, Olivia Fay Williams of Lexington; two brothers, J.W. (Sherry) Bailey, Freeman (Dawn) Bailey; one sister, Brenda (Chester) Wilson; 11 grandchildren, Hunter Bailey, Hailey Coyle, Evan Bailey, Mariah Coyle, Kaelyn Bailey, Lucas Herring, Aidan Williams, Braiden Bailey, Aubrey Williams, Layla Bailey and Easton Bailey; 3 great-grandchildren, Paisley Bailey, Knox Bailey and Hudson Bailey. He is preceded in death by a sister, Linda Goodlett and a brother, Jackie Bailey.

As we move forward in a world that might be a little colder and with a little less laughter, I’m going to remind myself every day of the words my dad so much enjoyed, that the first days are the hardest, but don’t you worry anymore.

So there it is. Don’t wait, nothing is guaranteed, live better now.