John Russell Bailey

John was born February 2nd 1947 in Florida to Keith and Fayette Bailey. He grew up in Richfield, Minnesota with his three siblings Faye, Marsha, and brother Glenn. He graduated from Richfield High school, after which he served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran.

In Huntsville. He worked at Dunlop tires until he retired after 32 dedicated years of service in 2003. His retirement allowed for more time with family and various hobbies including photography, playing with high-tech gadgets and computers, and looking for hidden gems and hole in the wall diners to eat at with his loved ones.

He was a well-traveled man, and while he didn’t accomplish what he jokingly referred to as his “life’s ambition” of “packing it all up and leaving it all behind for the open road”, he still experienced a great many notable trips and memories on his bike with his wife. He also loved to joke that on these trips he was “never lost” simply “taking the scenic route”.

John was known for his abundance of animated stories of life that he loved to share with anyone who would listen to “an old man like me” as often as he could. Although a proud self-proclaimed Yankee, he believed in long southern goodbyes and never met a stranger. He was outspoken and kind. His feisty charm will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife Glenda, he is survived by sons John Russel Jr, Phillip Bragg (Kelly), and Wade; daughter Sheryl Maness (Junior); sisters Marsha Bennet (John), Faye Peterson (Daryl); brother Glenn Bailey (Martha); grandchildren Kristen Wynn, Stephanie Maness-Warren (Brandon), Candice Bragg (Tyler), Aaron Garner, Sarah Garner (Matt), Meghan Michels (Braxton), John Paul Garner, Kirsten Maness (Cole), Cierra Wagner (Kyle), Jackson Bailey, Atticus Bailey; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Keith and Fayette Bailey.

The memorial service will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home - 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville AL; on Saturday, April 1st 2023 at 2:00 p.m., visitation will be held prior to the service from noon through 2:00

The service will be livestreamed. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Bailey family.