David Coleman Bailey

David Coleman Bailey, 92, passed peacefully into eternal life Monday, December 2, 2013. Born in New York City to Margaret Phillippi Bailey, a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and Charles Robert Bailey, a Wall Street Corporation attorney (Bailey, Cadman and Foley), David came to Asheville with his family during the Depression from Larchmont, New York. He attended Asheville High School, where he was editor of the school newspaper. He graduated from the University of North Carolina where he was a news editor of the Daily Tar Heel, the South's oldest and most professional student newspaper, and was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During World War II, he enlisted in the US Army. He served in the Infantry, was commissioned in the Transportation Corps and became a First Lieutenant. During the Korean War, he was called to active duty and became Captain. While enlisted, he also became a graduate of Haverford College in Pennsylvania, majoring in Romance Languages. He became an account executive with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane and later a partner in the firm. He was chairman of the board of Penland Bailey Company, a family land management company near the Highlands of Roan in Mitchell County. He served as president of the Asheville Civitan Club and first chairman of the Civitan Foundation. Among other contributions, he was chairman of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. David was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a senior member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club. He was president of the Pen & Plate Club and the St. Andrew's Society (Scottish). He was the author of several books, including Farewell to Valor, Fashionable Asheville 1880-1930, The Penland Chronicles, Trolleys in the Land of the Sky, which he co-authored and received the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County's Griffin Award for Research and Publication, and a number of articles. Survivors include his wife, Cathey Massie Bailey, three sons, Derrick R. Bailey, an Asheville attorney; Douglas M. Bailey, a wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch (Mary Alice); Thomas B. Bailey, Director of the Folk Art Center (Pam), and a daughter, Mrs. Caroline (Lisa) Francisco of Houston (George). Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. Patricia E. Shaw of Asheville (Alan); a sister-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Bailey of Charlotte, and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, R. Douglas Bailey. David was much loved and will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, keen sense of humor, subtle wit, generosity of time and talent, dignified character, and strong faith. He has returned Home with great joy to his savior, Jesus Christ. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday at Trinity Episcopal Church with a reception following in Tuton Hall. Private burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will also receive friends from 5:30 until 6:30 pm Wednesday, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road. The family wishes to thank with deep gratitude the wonderful caregivers and staff at CarePartners and Givens Health Care Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (www.appalachian.org) and CarePartners Hospice.