Robert Lewis Bailey
January 19, 1933 ~ December 22, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
R. LEWIS BAILEY
ASHEVILLE – Robert Lewis Bailey, 77, of Ferry Road, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Highland Farms Medical Center.
Mr. Bailey was born in Buncombe County and was a son of the late John Harvey Bailey and Flonnie Smith Bailey. He was preceded in death by a brother John Harold Bailey.
He is survived by his wife Doris Whitaker Bailey; daughter Vicki Epley and her husband Kevin; and granddaughter Emily Grace Epley, his "pride and joy". Also surviving are two special sister's-in-law, Shirley Bailey and Bobbie Sparks; niece Laurie Ponder and husband Jim, two nephews, Marc Bailey and wife Alexis and John Bailey and wife Melanie.
Mr. Bailey was an Army Veteran and a life long member of Bent Creek Baptist Church. He was a member of Asheville Toastmasters and of Black Mountain Rotary Club. He was the former director of safety at American Enka and retired from Highland Farms Retirement Center in 1998 after 22 years as a Director of Residence Services.
Funeral services have been rescheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Revs. Tommy Bridges and Scott Lynch officiating. Burial will be at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Bent Creek Baptist Church, 1554 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
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Doris & Family,
Thinking of you all. We are so sorry about Lewis. We loved him & he will be so missed by so many. Our Love To You All.
We were so sorry to hear of Lewis’s death. We worked with him at American Enka and thought very highly of him and all of the hard work he did as Safety Director. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Doris and family, I met Lewis, many years ago when he worked at Highland Farms. When I joined Rotary, he was always there to greet you at his table, always interested in what is going on in my world. He will be missed.
I’m sorry to hear about Lewis. I worked with him at Biltmore Dairy. My entire family worked with his parents at Biltmore Dairy.
Doris and family – I am so sorry to hear about Lewis. I have know him all my life and he has really meant a lot to me. He was a very special person. I will be praying that God will give you comfort and peace during this time.
Lew will be sorely missed. He was a faithful ‘greater’ and the smiling face of the Black Mountain Rotary Club for ‘ever’ In addition he was the ‘go to’ guy who could tell you who everyone was and how they were doing. I’ll miss him a lot. Ron
To the Family of Lewis Bailey;
I am very sorry to hear of Lewis Passing. Please except my sincere condolences. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I worked with Lewis and his parents at Biltmore Dairy.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
Doris&Family, We are so sorry about Lewis,our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
To the Lewis Bailey Family
I am so sorry to hear about Lewis.Lewis gave me my first job at Highland farms, when I was in High school.Lewis was a good man,and I really enjoyed working with him.
l
Dear Doris, Vicki and family, I was so sorry to hear about Lewis. Even though I didn’t know him well, I enjoyed every time that I was able to talk with him. He was a wonderful example of a Christian man and was always encouraging. I know you miss him very much already and I am praying for you all to be comforted by the Lord Jesus. We love you all. Larry and Sandra (Hare) McLendon
My friend, Lew, will be greatly missed. His distinct manner of integrity and sincerity is of note. Those of us fortunate enough to have enjoyed his personality are sorely sad. My condolences to his family are with sympathy and wishes for good things to come as time goes on. Jim
Doris,Vicki,and family,
Brenda, Ashley and I are saddened to learn of Lewis’ passing. He was always gentle and kind to our family, especially Ashley. He gave her encouragement following her accident. This helped her through some rough times. We will never forget the kindness of your family during our tough times. Lewis will be greatly missed.
Stan,Brenda, and Ashley Hare
To the Family of Lewis Bailey,
I met Lew as a returning member of Asheville Toastmasters. To say I was impressed with this man is just the beginning. On every occasion Lew participated you knew he would bring something special: his firm and clear voice, his methodical way of speaking, the even-mannered way of his personality. Lew was indeed a special person – a person you were proud to have as a fellow club member and friend. I always enjoyed speaking with Lew – and hearing him speak – and will miss him as one of those good-natured, up-right and honorable human beings.
Doris, we are so sorry for your loss, Lewis was a very special person and we thought alot of him.May God bless you and your family. Love Mary & P.J.
Lewis and I traveled many roads together. Neighbors, business partners, fellow toastmasters, but most of all friends, for almost 50 years.
Doris and family………..Margo and I send our love, thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mrs Bailey & family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Mr. Bailey. I know what a very special man he was because he raised a wonderful daughter & Vicki always spoke so highly of him. I very much look forward to meeting him when I get to Heaven. Meanwhile, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doris and Vicki,
I have such fond memories of living next door to you all in Chunn’s Cove. I remember Daddy and Lewis sitting and talking for hours on end. Their friendship meant a great deal to my dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doris, We are so sorry about Lewis If their Is any thing we can do just give us a call May God be with you and the family we well keep you all In our prays. Herbert & Linda
We are so sorry to hear of Lewis’s passing. He was always a friend and stopped by many times to check on us especially since the death of Duff. God be with you always.
For the Bailey Family,
Lewis was such a great man and always enjoyed his gardening and grooming of his beautiful yard.God said it was time and he picked this Rose. He will be missed.We will pray daily for the comfort that God and true friends can give each of you. My Mother,’Omie Carson Smith’90 yrs old.
went to be with Dad and the Lord on Feb.4th this year.I know that they are waiting for us with open arms!!
Love Youns Lots
Linda Smith Shuler& Family
Doris & Vickie, we were so sorry to here of Lewis passing.He was my friend for many years.Unfortunely Ron did not have the pleasure of knowing him. He will be miss by many. Our prayers are with all of you. sandra
Dear Doris, Vicki, Kevin & Emily,
My heart is broken over your loss of Lewis. We ALL loved him…he was easy to love and will be missed greatly. Guess he and Daddy are up in heaven singing those beautiful old songs they enjoyed singing so much. Your loss will be felt by many. Please know we love you and will be praying and thinking of you in the days ahead without Lewis.
Much love,
Jean McGlamery Roberts
I often noted in various lectures and tours that it was Lewis Bailey who assisted my wife, Irene Dillingham Richards, and me in conducting the first public wine seminar at the Battery Park Hotel, Asheville Toastmasters Club.
We enjoyed a commraderie throughout the years through this connection.
This relationship has been far more meaningful over the years as I consider his character of friendship and honor.
Dear Vicki,
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad had passed away. I was home on vacation. We had just discussed his care and your worries! The Lord always has a plan for each of us. I know you will miss him terribly.
Love and Prayers,
Connie Fields