Lewis “Wayne” Bailey, age 86, transitioned from this earth to his heavenly home on Friday, April 18th, 2025. He was the last of seven children born to Tom and Penelope (Lewis) Bailey in Meridian, Mississippi on June 25, 1938. He attended school in Rose Hill, Mississippi. His mother passed away while he was in high school, and he made a commitment to her to finish and graduate. To ensure that happened, he moved in with the school superintendent, Mr. Culpepper, on the school grounds and lived there until he finished school. He was an excellent basketball player that earned him scholarship offers to Ole Miss, Mississippi State and the University of Southern Mississippi. He was in the very last class to graduate from Rose Hill School in 1958. Wayne decided to forgo college and go straight to work instead. He eventually made Eastland his permanent home living in Lawton, Oklahoma near his brother, Earl for a time. It was in Eastland that he met and married Billie Lou England.
Those who knew Wayne well know he found joy and purpose in building and fixing things. This was a passion that remained with him throughout his entire life. Whether it was constructing something new or repairing what others thought would be beyond saving, Wayne was proud of every project he undertook and completed. He tackled many house renovations and loved using unique items to customize his homes. He restored many antique cars and eventually moved to tinkering with old tractors, specifically Ford. Wayne was also an entrepreneur. He and Billie supported their family through various businesses over the years, starting with a neighborhood grocery store on Sadosa Street. He also managed a couple of carpet stores and eventually became a rental proprietor. He was instrumental in helping to develop the “miracle mile” of Eastland by building and managing Shady Oaks Shopping Center. Wayne loved his family. He was a husband and a Daddy, but he was most proud of his “Pawpaw” title.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Penelope Eloise (Lewis) Bailey, his brothers, Walter Bailey, Leonard Bailey, Earl Bailey, Harold Bailey and his sisters, Villa Mae Boutwell and Mattie Lou Newby. He is survived by his devoted wife, Billie, two daughters, Stephanie (Bailey) Evans and husband, Lee, Kim (Bailey) Moore, 2 granddaughters, Bailey Evans and Jordan Evans, and 2 grandsons, Nicholas Burleson and Max Turner. The family would like to thank Solaris Healthcare staff Kamila Williams and Sky Hayworth and all the rest of the staff involved in his care the last 16 months including equipment transport staff, pharmacy delivery. A very special thank you to James Reger for your love and care for Wayne. He was always ready for his JJ time. An additional thank you to Teena Witt and Juanita Miller for taking care of him during these. last few months.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00PM at Flatwood Cemetery with Mike McGough officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Eastland or First Christian Church of Eastland.
