Leonard H. Bailey

On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, Leonard H. Bailey of the Havens of Princeton, formerly of Rt. 3, Bluefield, WV departed this life after a short illness at Bluefield Regional Medical Center at the age of 99 years and 7 months. He was born on July 12, 1912 in Ashland, WV and had been a resident of the Bluewell area for the past 70 years. Leonard was immersed in Christian Baptism at the Pine Grove Church of Christ and faithfully attended the Lorton Lick Wesleyan Church along with the Church of Christ at Maple View. He had a tremendous love for family and friends and he never met a stranger. He was employed in the coal industry for 45 ½ years as both a salaried and hourly employee with the American Coal Company, Pocahontas Fuel Company, and Consolidation Coal Company. He served on the Board of Directors of the Bluewell Public Service District for 31 years and was the Board Chairman his last 18 years. He was a graduate and the Salutorian of his 1931 graduating class at McComas High School. He was a longtime member of the Bailey Masonic Lodge # 137 at Montcalm, WV. He was preceded in death by his wife June J. Bailey after 73 years and 9 months of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. and Ester C. Chappell Bailey; sisters, Sadie Dixon, Nora Royal, Mabel Conley, Mildred Bircham, and Ruby Bailey; and brothers, Everett Bailey and William H. Bailey. Survivors include: Son: Gene F. Bailey and wife Judy of Bluefield, VA Daughter: Norma A. “Polly” Box and husband Ed of Gainesville, FL Sister: Ernestine Hedrick and husband Marshall of Princeton, WV 4 Grandchildren: Tammy Abel and husband Keith, Suzanne Martin and husband Ernie, Darin Brown and wife Elana, and Jeremy Brown and wife Robin. 7 great-grandchildren: Christopher Puckett, Kelsey Brown, Alexa Brown, Jarrett Brown, Ryan Brown, Conner Brown, Brady Martin and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Brothers-in-Law: Hugh L. Hill and wife Jean of Gahanna, OH and Lindy Hill and wife June of Highland Springs, VA He will also be missed by the caregivers and staff at the Havens at Princeton as well as Khalid Razzaq, MD. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Barry Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where family and friends will be serving as pallbearers. Friends may call on Friday evening 6:00 – 8:30 PM at the funeral home. Tax deductable contributions may be made to Bible in the Schools, P.O. Box 543, Bluefield, WV 24701 in memory of Leonard Bailey.