John Edwin Bailey

John Edwin Bailey passed away on the 5th of January in his home in Houston, Texas. Affectionately known as “Snake” to all who knew and loved him, he is remembered as a man of integrity with a gentle spirit and loving heart. John, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was born on the 13th of October 1927, and is the third child of a family of eleven children of the late Edward and Joan (Mulvihill) Bailey.

John lived a life that exemplified his deep commitment to his faith, family, friends and interests. Raised in Philadelphia, John graduated from Loyola University-Baltimore (BS Math 1949) and University of Texas School of Law (JD 1952). During his high school years, he exhibited his athletic talents as a star in three sports. While serving in the Army during World War II, Snake pitched in the Armed Forces World Series in the Philippines and then was immediately drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies. However, it was not until his return from the war, while completing college and later law school, that he discovered his true sport’s passion: the game of golf. He loved the game deeply and the fellowship it afforded.

In 1947, John met Eleanor Mary Bering (fondly known as Deedo), a 17 year-old young lady and Houston native. She immediately captured his heart and became his forever love. In 1951, he made her his bride and thus the partnership of Deedo and Snake was formed. They were blessed to have 63 years together as they raised four adoring children in a home filled with love and laughter. Deedo and Snake’s family grew to include eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Snake selflessly devoted his life to his family as father, mentor and spiritual leader. He taught the family the meaning of honesty and goodness and how to live a good life. Whether coaching or cheering on his family, Snake rarely missed a child or grandchild’s event and his sincere interest was always felt and appreciated. Simply, he lived for others.

Enjoying both social and golf outings as a member of the Houston Country Club, Snake served on the Board of Directors and was a Champion Golfer. He was also a proud member of the Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin where he met many of his lifelong friends. Joining Gulf Oil Corporation directly out of law school, Snake rose to become the Assistant General Counsel for Major Litigation. His forty-year career culminated with his position as the last General Counsel of Gulf Oil. While listening to, supporting and encouraging his team of lawyers, Snake taught his attorneys to aggressively represent the client while maintaining high ethical standards and professional relationships with adversaries. As an advisor and role model, he had no equal.

John’s unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sustained him throughout his life. As a lifelong catholic and active member of St. Michael Catholic Church for over 60 years, John trusted in both the providence and sovereignty of his Father in Heaven. He was a living example of the values he held dear: kindness, loyalty and generosity. Friends and co-workers knew John to be gracious with his time and wise in his counsel. Over the years, Snake walked alongside many in their seasons of trials and difficulties providing mercy and grace. He was a model of cheerfulness for all who had personal contact with him and possessed a special trait that made a person feel good after talking with him.

Snake was truly a man of principle with an impeccable reputation. He enjoyed sports and loved to play them. He took real satisfaction in a well-played golf shot or a perfectly thrown pitch. His insatiable appetite for reading helped him pass the time when he no longer could walk the back nine. Snake was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was a hero among men and will be remembered always by those who were blessed to know him and also the ones who had only heard of John Bailey. Snake, we love you “higher than the sky.”

Snake is survived by his wife, Deedo; their four children and their spouses, John Bailey Jr. and his wife Leslie, Joey Bailey and his wife Allison, Susie McGee and her husband Skip and Jimmy Bailey and his wife Lisa; his eight grandchildren – Joe (and his wife, Alice) and Christopher (and his wife, Regan) Bailey; Katie, John Edward and Elizabeth McGee; Lauren (and her husband, Parker Jones), Sarah, and Patrick Bailey; his one great grandchild – Virginia Elizabeth Bailey; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. JoAnn Sellingsloh, his sister-in-law, survives him. He also leaves his brothers Edward Anthony Bailey, William Joseph Bailey, Thomas Richard Bailey and Bernard Bailey and sisters Joan Regina Bailey McCormick and Irene Anne Bailey Ambrogi. He was predeceased by his father Edward Bradley Bailey, mother Joan Mulvihill Bailey, brothers James Patrick Bailey, Michael Robert Bailey, Frances Joseph Bailey and sister Katherine Bailey.

We are forever grateful to Margo Castillo who loyally cared for and comforted Snake during the past thirteen years. Snake loved her as if she was a part of his family.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five until seven o'clock in the evening on Sunday, the 11th of January, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence in the Jasek Chapel at seven o’clock in the evening.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 12th of January, at St. Michael Church, 1801 Sage Road, where Msgr. Frank Rossi will preside.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, contributions in memory Mr. John E. Bailey may be directed to the John Edwin and Eleanor Bering Bailey Endowed Presidential Scholarship within the University of Texas Athletics Department. Gifts may be mailed to: The Longhorn Foundation, P.O. Box 7399, Austin, Texas 78713-7399, Attn: Rob Heil; or St. Michael Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston 77056-3502; or a charity of your choice.