Bobby Joe Bailey

Bobby was born to Herman and Jewel (Banes) Bailey on May 5, 1947 in Birmingham, AL. He was a 1965 graduate of Southeast High School (Bradenton, FL). Bobby was united in marriage to Rita Dacus Bailey on October 29, 2001 in Key West. He was a Navy Veteran (1966-1970), started his public service career at the Bradenton Police Department (1971 – 1976) and retired as a Lieutenant of the Longboat Key Police Department after 23 years (1976 – 1999). He was a longtime member of the Blue Knights, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511, Elks Riders Lodge #1511, Bradenton VFW Post #10141, Sons of the Confederacy and a Fellow of the Moose Lodge. He spent many years training in the style of Shorin Ryu, elevated to Sensei with a 2nd degree Black belt and later became a student of Tai Chi Chih. In his spare time, he enjoyed his family, friends, reading about American history, and traveling.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents (Herman and Jewel Bailey).

He is survived by his Wife- Rita Bailey of Holmes Beach, and son Jeffrey Bailey (wife Misty Bailey) of Toano, VA, his brother- Billy Bailey of Homosassa, FL and sister Delaine McFadden of Deltona, FL. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Bobby Bailey will take place on July 30th at 1 p.m. at Groover Funeral Home Ellenton, FL with the Pastor Bill Pierson presiding; there will be no reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one or both of the following:

Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation

Donations can be made online at Moffitt.org/Donate or by mailing a check to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, MBC-FOUND, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612; or by calling 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403.”

Please include: Memorial name (Bobby Bailey); name of family member(s) to be notified (Rita Bailey); address of family member(s) to be notified when gifts are made (260 South Harbor Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34207)

Or

Project Paws Alive

http://projectpawsalive.org/donation-honor-cards/