Mr. Edward Lee Bailey, Sr. was born on November 6, 1933 in Chambers County, AL to the parentage of  late Johnnie Lee and Willie Vera Gunn Bailey. On Wednesday, April 25th 2012, the Lord called Edward home and he answered obediently.

 

Edward accepted Christ at an early age and joined Liberty C.M.E. Church in Cusseta, AL. On February, 14 1954 he married his loving soul mate, Annie Thelma Brooks and later moved his church membership to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Lanett, AL.

 

Edward was always a hard worker. His first job was as a horse trainer in a stable when he was just a teenager. He later joined the Army. After leaving the military he became employed as a cook with the Community Service Center and then as a server at the Magnolia Club. He later began a career as a roofer with Merritt and Sons Construction, Valley, AL. After retiring from Merritt and Sons, he went into business for himself and started Valley Roofing Company and Sons. After his retirement from his business, he began working at his dream job; He became a CHEF (white hat and all) at Merle’s Diner.

 

Edward was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn Tolbert and Hazel Nellom and one brother, Lonnie “2 Gun” Gunn.

 

He leaves a legacy of life and love to the following survivors: wife, Annie Thelma Bailey, Lanett, AL; daughters, Gloria Denise (Robert) Tyner , Anita Kathleen (Donewell) Kashiri and Bonita Ward, Lanett, AL; sons, Edward L. Bailey, Jr.(Sarah), L.D. (Barbara) Hurshon, Michael A. (LaMerle) Bailey, Johnny Lee Bailey, Clarence Jerome Bailey, Jeffery V. Bailey, and Daniel Lee Bailey, Lanett, AL; one brother, John Will Bailey, Lanett, AL ; one sister in -law Sara Brooks Dayton OH; one brother in-law; Robert (Gertrude) Brooks; 27 grandchildren, 31 great-grand children, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.