Harley McArthur Bailey

Harley M. Bailey went to be with the Lord, entering into eternal rest on October 27, 2024. Born on March 19, 1964, Harley was a truly special person whose warmth and kindness touched everyone around him. Although his time with us was far too short, his faith, love, and the memories he created will remain in our hearts forever.

Harley graduated from Princeton High School in 1982 and attended the Southern Highlands work program. He attended Montcalm Church of God and was a faithful participant in the Elks Summer Program, through which he made countless friends.

Harley had a spirit unlike any other. He never met a stranger, greeting everyone with his larger-than-life personality, a beautiful smile, and a friendly wave. Known for bringing joy and laughter wherever he went, he was an avid coffee drinker and loved cheeseburgers from McDonald’s, watches, rings, and traveling. Over the years, he enjoyed cherished trips to Pigeon Forge, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. Though small in stature, Harley was admired and looked up to by many.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Lockhart; his special aunt, Ruby Lawson; brothers Kevin (Diane) Bailey, Bob (Rosemary) Lockhart, Tom (Linda) Lockhart, sisters Pam Smith, Delores Pendleton, Dr. Sherri Gaither, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends/caregivers Aaron Bowman, Junior Smith, and Marvin Dowell. Harley was preceded in death by his father, Harley M. Bailey, Sr., special bonus father, Robert E. Lockhart, his maternal grandparents, Rev. Estil and Mabel Steele, paternal grandparents, Harry and Rev. Hazel Bailey, and brother Randy Lockhart.

Serving as pallbearers to honor Harley’s memory are his beloved friends and family, including Freddie Lawson, Cory Lawson, and Richard Palacios, Jr., Keith Workman, Rob Lockhart, Joseph Pendleton whose presence is a testament to the respect and love they shared with him. Honorary pallbearers are Lonnie Pennington, Gene Pennington, Junior Smith, and Donald Carter.

Friends and family can gather to honor his legacy on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6-8PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell.. 

A celebration of Harley’s life will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to speakers who honored his memory with words, stories, and prayers: Bishop Malcolm Riggins, Rev. Ryan Lawrence, and Joe Copolo.

Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Those wishing to attend should meet at the funeral home at 11:15 AM.

The family is grateful for your support, prayers, and comfort provided during this time. 

Rest in peace, dear Harley. You are loved beyond words and will be deeply missed until we meet again.