Benjamin Patrick “Ben Pat” Bailey, age 88, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Abundant Christian Living of Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, a son of the late Sant Paul Bailey and Kathryn A. Smith Cox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step brother, Richard L. Cox, Jr.
Ben Pat was a veteran of the United States Army. During his time of service, he received the following decorations and citations; Good Conduct Medal and Marksmanship Badge Rifle M-1. He served two years as a Tactic Instructor at West Point Military Academy. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City. He was a graduate of Science Hill High School and attended East Tennessee State University. He was a sales manager for Piedmont Airlines and retired from US Airway. He was a member of the Smokey Mountain Car Club and East Tennessee Jaguar Club.
Ben Pat trained horses, was a good equestrian and had a love for animals and horses. He was known for taking his dogs Gracie and Addy on rides in his sports cars. He loved coffee and spending time at Gourmet and Company with family and friends on Fridays. Ben Pat loved hanging out in the backroom of the Shamrock. He had a love for cars and motorcycles from a young age. He had a collection of British sports cars. He was a very multi-talented person known as a good builder, carpenter, car mechanic, jewelry maker and leather maker. Ben Pat was very well known for his wit, personality, and sayings that will always be remembered by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Natalie Sizemore Bailey; two daughters and son-in-laws, Lisa Green and husband Jim, and Von Bailey Walker and husband Howard; four grandchildren, Taylor Green and wife Maggie, Bailey Green and wife Niki, Natalie Woodall and husband Dan, and Gigi Walker; one step sister, Beverly Cox McKinney and husband Jess; step sister-in-law, Anna Cox; brother-in-law, Douglas Sizemore; and Sister-in-law, Adair Shanks; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. A Celebration will follow for family and friends at 5:30 PM at Gourmet and Company, 214 E. Mountcastle Drive, Johnson City, TN. A Private Family Committal Service and Inurnment will be held in the Garden of the Last Supper at Monte Vista Memorial Park with Rev. Paul Helphinstine officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by members of the Boone Dam VFW Post #4933 and the Army National Guard.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at the Courtyard Senior Living especially his nurse Lori, and the staff at Abundant Christian Living for all the love and care that was given.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Washington County Animal Shelter, 3411 N Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601; First Presbyterian Church, 105 S Boone Street, Johnson City, TN 37604; or to The River Ministry for Women, 125 West Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Arrangements for Mr. Benjamin Patrick “Ben Pat” Bailey and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
