Herbert George Bailey Sr.

Herbert George Bailey, Sr. was born March 3, 1925 in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Bertie, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, was the 9th of 12 children born to the last James George and Hilda Maud Bailey. In 1948, Herbert met and later married his loving wife Mrs. Clarice Parks Bailey.

Herbert was a career master carpenter and self made businessman. He began his profession with a cabinet making business that allowed him to hone his skills and ultimately supplied furniture stores with high-end furniture throughout Jamaica. In the early 1960’s, Herbert moved his family from Jamaica to England, and later to Canada. He continued as an entrepreneur and contractor in Canada. Some of his best work included contributing to major architectural structures such as the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada. He was contracted to work on the completion of Joe Robbie Stadium and the Tri-rail Station in Miami, Florida. In 1979, the Bailey family moved to Miami, Florida, U.S.A., where he continued to work as a master carpenter in the building industry.

Herbert is survived by his sister Florie Cowan of Kingston, Jamaica. He also leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of over 60 years Clarice Bailey of Miami, Florida and their six children: Dalvister “Roscoe” Christie of Atlanta, GA, Hyacinth “Norma” Golding of Toronto Canada, Novelette “Fay” Hanse of West Palm Beach, Florida, Derrick “Dani” Bailey of Naperville, Illinois, Dr. Juliet “June” Francis of Washington, DC, and Herbert George “Paul” Bailey, Jr. of Tallahassee, Florida.

Herbert was a devoted grandfather to 19 grand children, 25 great grand children and 4 great, great grand children, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Herbert was a man of small stature but with a magnanimous heart and personality. He never failed to share his wisdom with anyone one in need of advice. Family, friends, and co-workers from three continents were blessed by his light and will forever remember the time shared.

On September 26, 2012, after a ten year battle with constant health challenges, Herbert was called home to Glory by “The Master Carpenter” our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.