Mr. Thomas E. Bailey, age 89, of Fayetteville, TN passed away on July 11, 2020 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on October 25, 1930 in Elm Grove, Wisconsin to the late Thomas J. and Adele Louise Doering Bailey.
Tom earned a civil engineering degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, in 1953 and served in the US Army’s 503rd Engineer Company in Germany from 1953 to 1955.
Tom worked as a Professional Civil Engineer at Stearns-Rogers Manufacturing in Denver CO, and Brown Engineering in Huntsville, AL. Tom worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority and at the University of Tennessee Space Institute and retired in 1996. Tom earned a master’s degree in aviation systems in 1995 while at UTSI. Tom worked as a civil engineer providing consulting services to the middle TN area for 23 years, starting in 1996.
Tom served as a member of the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Industrial Development Board, Fayetteville Regional Planning Commission, Fayetteville Building Code Board of Appeals, and the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.
Tom was a member of the Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church for 62 years where he served in many capacities, including as Elder, and leading many committees. Tom’s hobbies included model railroading, and historical and technical writing.
Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Lou Wells Bailey; sons, Mark (Jenny) Bailey of Woodinville, WA, Alan (Connie) Bailey of Shelbyville, TN, Lynn (Michelle) Bailey of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Cooper and Makenna Bailey; brother-in-law, David (Ellen) Wells of Winchester, TN; nieces, Wendy Wells and Kim (Steve) Arnold, and their families.
Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home. Private burial services will be held at Riverview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville at P.O. Box 472, Fayetteville, TN 37334, or a charity of your choice.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Thomas E. Bailey.
In accordance with State of Tennessee Executive Order issued by Governor Bill Lee, social gatherings are limited to no more than 50 participants. For your safety we recommend face coverings, 6 feet social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and remaining home if you feel sick. The family invites you to share memories at higginsfh.com.
Mr. Tom was always willing to talk to you whenever you saw him. Such a kind and caring man. Mrs. Betty and family you are in our prayers. May God wrap his arms around you.
We are very sorry for your loss, Alan and Connie.
Ms Betty, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ms. Betty, we are so sorry for your loss. May God’s grace sustain you and the the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Prayers are with you.
Chaplain Charlie
Tom was an outstanding person & will be missed in the community. Bryan Kennedy
Mr. Tom was an amazing man that we all looked up to.
We were so fortunate to have him as a neighbor and friend.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty & Family YOU Are in Our PRAYERS TOM WAS A FINE MAN ,NEIGHBOR & FRIEND MAY GODS BLESSING BE WITH EACH OF YOU .Dennie & Betty Jo
Mr. Bailey was a good friend and good citizen of Fayetteville. We all were lucky to have had this man in our presents.
Mr. Bailey was a good friend and outstanding citizen of Fayetteville. We all were lucky to have known this man.
Tom showed the most excellent way to live. Jack and I knew him as a fellow church member and friend. He was kind, gentle, intelligent, and wise. We sought his advice numerous times on church-related projects, because we respected his insights.
Tom was compassionate and caring. I will always remember the care and concern he and Betty showed to our family during serious illnesses and after traumatic injuries.
Mr. Tom was a good and humble man that set a example for all who knew him.The world would be a better place if we had more people like Mr. Tom