Beverly M. Bailey Sr. Obituary in Haines City at Holmes Funeral Directors

Obituary For Beverly M. Bailey Sr.

Mr. Beverly “Bev” Milton Bailey Sr. (75) transitioned Friday evening, January 19, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center’s ICU. He was born on February 26, 1948, in Southampton, Virginia to Mr. Curtis C. Bailey and Mrs. Mary F. Purdie Bailey. Mr. Bailey was educated in Surry County, Virginia, and Orange, New Jersey, and attended church in both states.

Mr. Bailey married the love of his life, Doris Moore, with whom he shared a forty-seven years relationship. His legacy are two adult children: son Beverly Milton Bailey Jr., Seffner, Florida, and Bridget Bailey, San Antonio, Texas. They were the light of Mr. Bailey’s life, including his six doting grandsons: Donovan, US Air Force Station in Japan; Bryson, Lakeland, FL; Naeem, Tampa, FL; Jaquan, Clearwater, FL; Bryce, San Antonio, TX; and Mateo, Syracuse, NY.

After a 20-year career with Ford Motor Company in New Jersey, the automobile plant closed. Mr. Bailey had a short stint at New Jersey Transition before relocating to Lakeland, where he was employed at Publix for twenty-six years before joining his wife with The Bailey Group.

In 1990, Mr. Bailey was initiated into the International Free and Accepted Modern Mason. In 1991, he and his wife became members of New Bethel AME Church under the spiritual leadership of the Reverend Jimmy J. Thompson, where he served on Usher Board #2.

Mr. Bailey co-founded and organized the official Juneteenth Observance in 1992. He, his wife Doris Moore Bailey, son Milton, daughter Bridget, grandsons Donovan, Bryson, and Naeem, hosted and sponsored the only Juneteenth rodeo in the state of Florida for five conservative years. The Baileys were supported by their cousin Jim Scott of Peachtree City, GA, Rancher Bob Shivers, horseman Fred Carter, and Dr. Alzo J. and Mrs. Elouise Reddick.

In 2015, the Baileys established the Buffalo Soldiers Reenactment organization in Polk County, which began in Lakeland. In 1990, Mr. Bailey was initiated into the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons.

Mr. Bailey devoted his time to various charitable causes throughout Polk County and Florida. During African American History Month aka Black Month, he and other horsemen carried their horses to Padgett Elementary School and educated students about the Buffalo Soldiers and the African American Cowboys. He supported his grandsons’ traveling basketball teams, as well as his son and daughter’s bowling league team. He enjoyed all sports, especially college football and professional basketball with his cousin Midge Jenkins, automobile racing, and working with cars. During the annual August, Johnson (Purdie) Family Reunions, he loved going deep-sea fishing with his male cousins in the St. James River, listening to Ole School Music on CDs recorded by his brother Alton. His bonus was visiting with cousins James and Dorothy Moore Knight’s farm to see the Black Angus cows, and his fishing ponds in Newton, Alabama.

Mr. Bailey is survived by his beloved spouse Doris Moore Bailey, his son Beverley Milton Bailey Jr. and daughter Bridget Bailey; six grandsons: Donovan Saxon Bailey, Bryson Bailey, Sharad Naeem Nixon Jr., JaQuan Bailey, Bryce Smith Jr., and Mateo Bailey, brothers: Curtis C. Bailey Jr, (Carolyn), East Orange, and Alton Bailey (Jennifer), of West Orange, New Jersey; sister Joyce Brenda Bailey Barnett (Danny) of Alexandria, Virginia; godparents the Iconic Coach Jesse B. and Yvonne Heard of Gainesville, Florida, goddaughters Daphne Matthews of, Clinton, Maryland, and Joy Carol Bailey of Orange, New Jersey; godsons: Clif Clifton of Lakeland, Al Wakil Edwards, North Carolina, Shawn Brantley and Christopher Brantley, both of Orlando, Florida. Sisters-in-law Mrs. Annie Lois Moore Rhoden, Mrs. Mary Mathis, and brother-in-law Mr. Enorris Moore, as well as other step-brothers-in-law. Uncles: Roy L. Moore (Elouise), Lakeland, Florida, and Willie G. Moore, Hillside, New Jersey. Aunts: Robbie L. Moore McCoy, Katherine Moore Goodson both of Riverdale, Georgia, and Delorise Grider of Orlando, Florida. Mr. Bailey has three adopted sisters: Mrs. Elazer Lindsay, Orlando, Florida, Mrs. Lola King, and Mrs. Vera Owens, both of Lakeland, Florida. He has thirteen nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, friends, and special friend Mr. Charles Allen of Sanford, Florida, and mentor Dr. Alzo J. Reddick, Sr. of Orlando, Florida. Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his parents Curtis C. and Mary F. Purdie Bailey, and youngest brother Delanor “Dell”; William Bailey, Sr.

Bailey repose/visitation is Friday, February 2, 2024; visitation is 5:-5:45 P.M. and Memorial program begins at 5:45 p.m. closing with the International Masonic Final Burial Rites ceremony; Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mr. Beverly “Bev” Milton Bailey Sr. Saturday 1:00 p.m., at New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, at 1:00 PM.

The family requests donations to New Bethel AME Children’s Church and Faith In Action North Lakeland in lieu of flowers.

The Bailey, Barnett, Purdie, and Moore Families extend gratitude to NBAME Church family, dear friends, Pastor Eddie Lake, and Pastor Nathan Mugala for their support during beloved Mr. Beverly “Bev” Milton Bailey’s difficult journey. Super special appreciation to grandson number #2, Bryson for his devoted care of his grandfather.

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Christopher Fleming sent The Peace Lily for Beverly M. Bailey Sr. - February 01, 2024

Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace. We hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time. We know he will be missed greatly by all.
Chris & Regina Fleming

Send flowers for Beverly M. Bailey Sr.

Michael Hilton sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Beverly M. Bailey Sr. - January 31, 2024

With love and fond memories, Michael and Marianne Hilton

Dorothy Bush sent Red and White Floor Basket for Beverly M. Bailey Sr. - January 25, 2024

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Peace and blessings to you all. Cousins Dorothy and Ruben Bush and family.

Mrs. Bailey,
Your husband was a well respected man, who loved his family, served his community, and represented our race well.
Coach Jessie and Yvonne Heard

Doris and Family, Condolences and prayers. Maryann M. Royall

Doris, sending you deepest sympathy for your loss! ValRae Lenius

I have no doubt this will be a wonderful Memorial Program for your beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you Doris Bailey.
Glenda Williams

My heart wants you to know my prayers are with y'all. Ronald Martin

My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Gwendolyn Bristo

Grider Queen: My family I love you, a beautiful couple devoted to each other!
Ellouise Grider Pennington

Certainly, a life well lived and pronounced by his good deeds, effervescence and strengths. It is a blessing that your lives crossed paths and you were the Sun, moon and stars for each other. (Ret.)Judge Harvey

Lifting to you up in prayer cousin. Michelle Reynolds

Sorry for your loss and prayers for you and your family. God's comfort, grace and strength be with you as you bury your loved one.
Florence Cosey Bronson Terrell

Sending my condolences and prayers Cousin Doris to you and the family.
Darlene Gilchrist Dailey

Sending Love, Prayers and Condolences to You and Your Family. Kass Ottley

My heartfelt condolences to you and family cousin Doris. To God be the glory for a life well lived and for the precious memories left behind for us all to cherish. Joseph Jenkins

Doris, my heartfelt sympathy, Love and prayers to you. I pray that God touch and heals your broken heart. I pray he heals you everywhere you hurt. I pray for comfort peace and strength In Jesus Name. In time he will, one second, one minute, one hour, and one day at a time. Hold on to God's unchanging hand and he will see through. Sending you Love and Hugs. Be Blessed In Jesus Name. Shirley Hawkins

Sending love and keeping you in my prayers! Deborah Bonner

My condolences to you and your family with lots of love and prayers.
Glenda Knox

My handsome and loving cousin! Sonja Purdie Young

Sending you lots of love. The affection and life you two shared was wonderful. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Marina Elle

Praying that One day your tears turn to joy. I know the pain and also the joy hold on the all the special memories.
Polly Lyons

Cousin Doris,
Sending prayers love, hugs, and kisses your way. Ellouise Grider Pennington

Love is eternal. Dale Fastoff-Johnson

Such Greatness!! He is missed. William Boss

Praying that God will mend your broken heart, Doris.
Juanita Wilson-Simpkins

🙏Sending Hugs, Luv And Prayers Your Way Cousin, Lois Darden

Doris, in time, your grief will wrap you in a blanket of lovely memories and blessings! He has only transitioned, his spirit will continue to touch your life. Sending a virtual hug. Jane Turner - jlily

Sending healing thoughts and prayers. Only God can heal a wounded spirit and broken heart. Joy Browne

Cousin, we're praying that you will be comforted with precious memories and God's presence to care for you and the family! We love you, Valerie Purdie Ricks

My deepest condolences to you Cousin, all that you said is so true. God be with you knowing that this day and time is not a mistake, always reflect on those long, good years that God has given you with all that he was to you....
Blessings always, T Goody Moore Goodman

Deepest condolences and sympathies dear Cousin. Keeping you and Bev's loved ones in my prayers! May the love and peace of God bring you comfort and peace.
Kimberly Latimore

Most of us pray for patience in trying situations. But we would prefer to not have to use patience at all. We'd prefer that God provide a quick solution and move us along to something better. But patience and perseverance are valuable tools that God uses to shape us and grow us into a maturity of faith that we could never achieve if He always answered us with a quick fix. Doris, I know from experience there is "No quick fix" in losing a husband, your partner, soulmate in life. But, God... You said it, in HIS time-in due season you can and will find comfort, peace and joy...HE promised. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved one's during this time of bereavement my friend and Sistah⚘️. Vivian Campbell Williams

My most sincere condolences go out to Doris and all the Bailey family on the loss of the devoted and thoughtful Beverly. May the memory of this gentle soul be long and cherished, and his works and the people he touched sing his praises for those he never met. The community lost a kind member in Beverly Bailey.
Andy Crossfield

Dear Doris:
My heart and prayers are with you as you walk through the loss of your best friend and covenantal partner — your loving husband Beverly. Your loss is deep, and not at all what you ever wanted. I'm so glad, however, that you have beautifully poignant memories of your life together. Please be very gentle with yourself. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and your family. God bless you all. Continue to love your family and Remember God is in control.
Love, India Elaine (Rev. India E Garnette)

The renowned poet wrote, 'to be or not to be" soliloquy, in it, Hamlet presents an extended metaphor, comparing sleep and death. "To die, to sleep— To sleep, perchance to dream" He suggests that while sleep grants temporary rest, death provides eternal peace and reprieve from the troubles of life such as the slings and arrows which would include suffering from a debilitating illness that causes us much pain and suffering. So, I say this about Our dear brother in Christ Beverly Milton Bailey Sr., of which I knew him as a quiet man not because he had nothing to say but because it was one of the many things that defined him and that was politeness. To his and our dear family, be comforted, he has found eternal peace in the bosom of our Eternal Father. SK Bentley Davis

Oh no! Doris, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember Bev being one of the kindest humble people one could meet. My prayers are with you and your family. Jimmie Collins

May he rest in peace. The love of God and those who love you may render some solace each time his name is uttered he will continue to live in our memory. Be comforted cousin. Jim Scott

Oh, Doris, my heart is breaking for you. It is so difficult to lose someone you love so much. I do know, and I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and hugs Sharon Kay Masters

Doris praying God will bless, comfort and strengthen you and the family. Just remember the memories you have of Beverly in those times you will be strengthen, hold him within your hearts where he lives! Classmate and friend Lena McKay

Oh Doris! You still ARE Yin and Yang. You just can't see him anymore except when he comes to you in dreams. I'm sure you still talk to him and I believe he hears you, comforts you, even guides you. Sending lots of Love.
Dr. Barbara Loeding

Cousin Doris Moore Bailey, my prayer for strength to you and family in the loss of your dear soul mate, Mr Beverly M Bailey Sr. May his LOVE and fellowship you'll shared together overpower the sadness of your heart and I know there was much LOVE of JOY that held you up and will take you on this journey. BLESSING and LOVE!!
Your cousin, Nancy Anderson

Ohhh! I am so sorry to learn this! My sincere condolences to you and the family, Doris! May God give you (your heart) the strength to walk this path in your sorrow, and the comfort that only He can give. Dianne McNair

My condolences to you and your family!!! I'm so sorry for your loss! I remember him (and you) faithfully at all of the basketball games. Erika Henry

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have known Beverly. He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. I will forever remember the good times my husband and I spent with you'll. My condolences to you and your family.
Glenethel Collins

Randy Wilkinson
So sorry Doris. Bev was a true gentleman in the best sense of the world. Ya'll seemed so content, comfortable, at ease and natural together even though you're personalities seemed so different and you each did you're own thing...he with horses and Civil War re-enactments, you with politics and radio (I still catch you) You made him a happy man. Reminds me of Bill and Lynne Breidenbach. They had a great marriage like yours. Randy Wilkinson

Bob Betsy Grizzard
I've learned a great deal about your family through your posts and what shines out is the love shared. Our condolences, Doris and Family.

Doris,
We were extremely sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God be with you and your family during this difficult time and bless you always.
Dr. Susan Ruffin & Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5zv14gP-U
To The Bailey Family, our sincere condolences to all.

You are so lucky to have had this handsome, erudite and debonair gentleman in your life! Patricia Harvey

Firstly , I would like to say that the services, Mr. Beverly M Bailey Senior were beautiful... However, while the entire family assembled at a predetermined location; The limousines were unfashionably late. Moreover, vehicles two and three, indicated low tire pressure warnings that were not addressed/acknowledged...

Husband and Wife and extraordinary Partners in Life. There are no adequate words to say and often the ones we try to convey, may hurt more than help at this time. So, we extend our deeply sincere thoughts and prayers from our heart and our immeasurable LOVE to our 'beloved' friend, Doris Moore Bailey and Her precious family. This is a NEW Landscape in your life's journey. One, like no other and without a how-to manual or play book of how to think, how to feel and how to act and how to do it well. Your view is blurry through the tears, your heart aches and breathing in and exhaling out strains and drains. We pray that the Timeless, limitless LOVE of God will carry you moment by moment through this season. Our fond remembrance of 'Bev' is "A Quiet Giant." He is leaving footprints of love and kindness, courage, strength and humor. We look and can clearly SEE the trail of those attributes in his wife, children and grandchildren. Doris, may you be comforted (in time) with all of the life-shared , treasured and cherished memories of your beloved husband and 'Perfect-for-You' Partner, Beverly Milton Bailey, Sr. Love you dearly, Robert & Annie Mott (Texas College); Fort Washington, Maryland

"I be damn" I remember that saying from my Uncle Bev, when I was a little girl. I loved him so much, that I walked behind him one day, mocking him, he turned around and said, in loving voice "No baby, little girls don't say that, and he kissed me, and gave me a cookie, that was Uncle Bev.a Strong, calm, stern and sweet, hardworking,loving and dedicated to what ever he put his mind to. A Devoted Husband,friend a strong Father and Leader for his family, a Loving grandfather, to his future that preceeds him, Uncle, Cousin and friends, but we will always remember him as the Brother of Curtis, Alton,Delanoir and Brenda, these are the children of Curtis Columbus and Mary Bailey, a Legacy of Great people. I want to leave this with the family, He was a Horseman. Another rider in the Army of the Lord. Yes it's never good bye, we will see him again. In the sky on his horse by and by ride on Uncle Bev. - Niece Tonya

Doris,I forgot to sign my name. This is from the Davis family, AL and Ophelia we became friends over 15 years ago, worked at the GS office. Blessings

I remembered meeting Beverly over 15 years ago at the G.S. office where Doris and I worked. Beverly was always polite, and always had a smile on his face and always a gentleman. We will miss you. Doris please take care of yourself, we know how much love you both had for each other.He is with our Lord Jesus and your family is in our prayers. We love your family and Remember God is in control ❤️. We are very sorry for your loss

Dear Doris, My heart and prayers are with you as you walk through the loss of your best friend and covenantal partner — your loving husband Beverly. Your loss is deep, and not at all what you ever wanted. I'm so glad, however, that you have beautifully poignant memories of your life together. Please be very gentle with yourself. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and your family. God bless you all.
Love, India Elaine Rev. India E Garnett

My most sincere condolences go out to Doris and all the Bailey family on the loss of the devoted and thoughtful Beverly. May the memory of this gentle soul be long and cherished, and his works and the people he touched sing his praises for those he never met. The community lost a kind member in Beverly Bailey. Andy Crossfield

First, I wish the Bailey family comfort in this time of bereavement. The times I was in the presence of Mr Bailey, he always had a smile on his face. Although he will be missed by many, We know he is in a better place and that's with God almighty.

I would like to give my condolences to my family. My heart goes out to my cousins that have to feel this pain on this side. I remember when Cousin Bev and cousin Doris use to come and visit growing up, Bev was so laid back and he loved us like we were blood cousins. I Love you guys and I will forever be there for you all. Stay Blessed and prayed up♥️

I remember when my family first moved across the street from the Bailey family Beverly came and introduced himself from that day forward we shared laughs, he will truly be missed. The Vonador family

Doris Condolences to you and your Family and may GOD continue to strengthen All of you.

My deepest condolences to Doris and the family. Your cousin Beverly Poon from Camilla, Ga.

I remember first meeting you all at McDonald's during a dark, dark time in my life. You and your husband gave me hope and the strength to keep believing that life gets better thank you for allowing your presence help me see light at in of tunnel

Doris my deepest sympathy and condolences 🙏 to you and your family. I will always cherish the special times you and Beverly spent with me and my husband.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Holmes Funeral Directors | Haines City, FL