MSG (Ret) Erwin Bailey was born in Langdale, Alabama on July 29, 1961 to Minister Charlie L. and Mrs. Earnestine Trammell Bailey of Lanett, Alabama.
At an early age he accepted Christ and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was educated in the Chambers County School System, graduating from Lanett High School in 1979. He was a member of the Varsity Football Squad.
After graduation, he entered into the United States Armed Forces. During the course of his enlistment, he received the following outstanding medals, ribbons, and achievements: Meritorius Service, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Army Good conduct, Army of Occupation, National Defense Service, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Bronze German Armed, German Headstart, Advanced non commissioned Officer Course, Master Gunner, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Armor Crewmember Transition Course, M1A2 Net Training course, Master Gunner Transition, Basic Industrial Hygiene Tech Course and OSHA General Course. He retired from the Army after 22 years of dedicated service. After his military career, he continued his education by attending Southern Union Commuity College. He was later hired by the United States Department of Labor in Opelika, Alabama as a career consultant. Following his career as a consultant, he was employed at the VA hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama as Patient Referral Administrator. He then began his most recent career with AFLAC, Inc. as a Lead Specialist. Erwin was a leader and mentor inspiring others to pursue their goals in life.
On July 1, 2006, Erwin was united in holy matrimony with his soul mate, Mannie. He believed in continued courtship in marriage and made it a point to plan events with his wife. Some of their favorite private times together included eating out at their favorite restaurants, going to the movies and enjoying together his favorite passion..... football. Master Sgt. (Ret) Erwin Bailey departed this life on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
A legacy of love is entrusted to: his loving wife of six years, Mannie Flakes Bailey, Valley, AL; son Erwving (Natalie) Bailey, Manassas Park, VA; daughter, Tonnishia Bailey, West Point, GA; stepsons, Karman J. Hogsett and Justin J. Hogsett, Montgomery, AL; parents, Minister Charlie L. And Earnestine Trammell Bailey, Lanett, AL; two brothers, Charles Anthony (Barbara) Bailey, Lanett, AL and Carleton (Jenise) Bailey, Carrollton, GA; two sisters, Marilyn Fears, Lanett, AL and Deborah A. Fears, LaGrange, GA; mother-in-law, Clara H. Flakes, Shorter, AL; two grandsons, Auntrevion Scott, West Point, GA and Erwving L. Bailey, Jr., Manassas Park, VA; one granddaughter, Jailah Salley, Manassas Park, VA; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and, an array of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.