Richard J. "Dick" Bailey

Richard J. “Dick” Bailey, age 78, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2023; born in Kankakee, Illinois, he moved with his parents to Alcoa in 1950. Predeceased by his parents Dr. Joel F. and Arlene Bailey; and sister Betty Jo Bailey Mosser, Carrolton, GA.

Survived by his loving wife Barbara A. Bailey; son Michael J. Bailey (Jennifer), Friendsville; daughter Sarah C. Bailey (Max), Cleveland, Ohio; sisters Carol Bailey Villaverde (Patrick), Knoxville; Donna Pyland (Jerry), Surprise, AZ; Joy Bailey Hutson (Murph), Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law Jeff Mosser, Carrolton, GA; other mother, Sharon Bailey Chapman, Maryville; Barbara’s children Tyler Campbell (Gala), San Diego, CA; Stacey Campbell, Maryville; grandchildren Maya, Joshua and Canon Campbell; Emily Armstrong; nieces and nephews Camden and Joel Hutson; Owen Villaverde; Cory (Sara) and Logan Mosser; Jennifer (Heath) Hill; lastly, his beloved cat Oreo.

Richard was a graduate of Alcoa High School, 1963 and the Knoxville Institute of Electronics, 1966. He served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971 as an Electronics Technician, Radar Specialist stationed in Naples, Italy. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, he worked for IBM in Charlotte, NC from 1972 to 1977; returning home to Alcoa, he started work for The University of Tennessee, Nuclear Engineering Dept. as the Nuclear Laboratory Supervisor until his retirement in 2011.

Dick had many interests and hobbies. Woodworking was his passion; over the years he made a variety of unique items for family and friends such as tables, chests, pens, and shaker boxes. He also created some lovely stained glass pieces. Other interests included astronomy, coin collecting, and Civil War history. He enjoyed visiting many battlefield sites with his cousin Jack.

Richard was a loving and devoted father, husband, brother and friend; he possessed a boundless sense of humor and was a generous individual.

He was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church, Maryville where he served on various committees over the years.

The family will have a Celebration of Life Service at Broadway UMC on Saturday, December 9th at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Pantry at Broadway UMC, 301 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804, or to a charity of your choosing.