Darrell Bailey

Retired Police Officer Darrell Bailey, age 58, of Bluefield, WV went to be with the LORD on Friday, December 28, 2018 at home with his family.

Born in Bluefield, WV he was a son of the late Clarence and Peggy Griffith Bailey. He was a lifetime resident of Mercer County and enjoyed his career in law enforcement, serving for 34 years in his community. During his career, he worked two years as a Correctional Officer at the Mercer County Jail and five years at Princeton Police Department obtaining the ranks of Detective and Sergeant. He worked as a detective at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for 14 more years. During the last several years of his career, he worked in administrative duties and also at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department holding the ranks of Major/Chief Deputy. He was a certified Police Firearms Instructor and enjoyed teaching his fellow officers. In addition to teaching firearms, he was a martial arts instructor, holding a 5th Dan Black Belt in the Okinawan style of Goju-Ryu. He was the former owner and chief instructor of the Southern West Virginia Goju-Ryu Karate Club for 18 years. He touched many people’s lives through his career and instruction. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece, Kimberly “Hope” Thomason.

Survivors include:

His wife of 39 years, Carrie Lafferty Bailey of the home

Sons: Joshua Bailey and wife Ginger of Lashmeet, WV
Brandon Bailey of Bluefield, WV

Daughter: Christina Bailey of Bluefield, WV

Grandchildren: Taylor Childress, Ariel Bailey and Joshua Bailey, Jr.

Brother: Roger Kanihan and wife Beth of Marysville, CA

Sisters: Darlene Thomas and husband Wayne of Princeton, WV
Beverly Lafferty of Bluefield, WV

Honoring Darrell’s wishes, he is being cremated without services being held.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV