Ian Dane Bailey

2023 safely held in our and his two brothers’ arms. Ian was born in Jacksonville, Florida, the

eldest child to his parents David and Shannon Bailey. Ian was preceded in death by his cousins

Michael (Mick) Eberhardt and Zane Harris.

Ian’s uncanny sense of humor and his innate ability to make others laugh made all who met him

feel at ease. He exuded politeness and effortlessly demonstrated the most unselfish love to all

who knew him. His ability to love and see all people without predetermined thoughts or

expectations was irrefutable. Ian was not a child of worldly possessions, as the greatest gifts to

him were his bonds formed with family and friends. Given a choice between a personal gift or

time with others, he always chose the latter. While battling osteosarcoma for four years, he never

wavered in his poise and continued to put those he loved before himself. His concern for the

well-being of others always outweighed his own. His desire to protect his parents, brothers and

everyone else was prioritized over the pain inflicted upon him from his cruel disease. Our son

lived his life to the fullest and always encouraged everyone around him to do the same. He

navigated troubled waters with a smile on his face, grace in his heart, and the courage of 10,000

men. Ian was an exemplary scholar whose 4.75 GPA tied him for the #1 ranking at Fleming

Island High in a class of over 460 students. As a member of Fleming Island High's prestigious

AICE program, Ian earned an Outstanding Cambridge Learning award for his performance on

his 9th grade exams and attained the Clay County School District’s highest score on the

European History exam out of over 225 students. Ian was also inducted into the nationally

acclaimed National Honor Society for his outstanding academic achievements.

Ian is survived by his parents (David and Shannon Bailey), his brothers (Lincoln and Owen

Bailey), his grandparents (Gary and Deborah White, Lawne and Karen Bailey), his Aunts and

Uncles (Kristen and Greg Harris, Gary White Jr., and Leigh-Ann and Craig Roy) and cousins

(Zach Harris, Jaden Roy, and Caleigh Roy), as well as other cousins.

Ian’s life so beautifully exemplified Matthew 6:19-21; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on

earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for

yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not

break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

After Ian’s first relapse, Ian chose to participate in a clinical trial stating, “Even if I don’t survive

this, at least I have contributed to science to help find a cure for this disease.” In lieu of flowers,

we are asking for monetary donations to be able to write a check in honor of Ian to Fourth and

Gold, a local non-profit organization started by one of his nurses to fund childhood cancer

research. 100% of donations will go directly to this organization. Venmo info is:

David-Bailey-283, and for verification 2768. You may also donate directly to Fourth and Gold

on his behalf. Thank you for helping us to honor our son and his desire to further and advance

childhood cancer research.

Please join us in celebrating our son, Ian Dane Bailey’s life, Monday evening at 6:00 pm, April

17, 2023 at Sullivan Hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 7190 Us-17 S, Fleming Island, FL

32003. All are welcome.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.