of Conway, AR
December 2, 1957 - August 25, 2015
John William Bailey, 57, of Conway went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday August 25, 2015. He was born December 2, 1957 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Harrison Rich Bailey and Sylvia Jean Rickett Bailey. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas.
He graduated from Gurdon High School in 1976 with three consecutive State Championships in tennis. He attended University of Central Arkansas on a tennis scholarship and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He graduated a letterman in 1979. John then attended University of Arkansas and graduated with his Masters in 1980.
While attending University of Central Arkansas he met the love of his life, Vickie Ann Gattis Bailey, and wed June 21st 1980 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They recently celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary with hundreds of family and friends at a surprise party thrown by their daughters.
Upon graduation he taught at the University of Mississippi in the Intermural Recreation Department. Following his time at Ole Miss he worked for the American Softball Association in Oklahoma. He then found his true calling and began working for Wilson Sporting Goods in the Promotions Department. John traveled all over the US through his more than 27 years with Wilson Sporting Goods. He received many honors and awards for his dedication and success as a Regional Sales Manager. He has made a huge impact in the sporting goods industry and will always be known around town as ''The Wilson Guy''. John also served on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
While he was not traveling for work, John pursued his passion for golf, piano, and cooking. Many will miss his famous barbeque sauce, pizza, and steaks. He won the City Golf Championship at Conway Country Club where he was an active member for decades. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family at White Oak lake.
His proudest recent accomplishment was becoming a ''Papaw''. He loved spending time with his granddaughters and thought the world of them. He was the best Papaw and will truly be missed by ''his girls''.
John is survived by his wife Vickie, two daughters Andrea Bailey Fournier and her husband, Justin, of Conway, Laura Bailey Rettberg and her husband, Jarad, of Chicago; three granddaughters, Bailey Fournier, Harlee Fournier, and Quinn Rettberg; His sister Ruth Ann Byers of Oklahoma, Father in law Wally Gattis of Fort Smith, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Sylvia Bailey, and his Mother in law, Margaret Chastain Gattis.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary on Friday August 28th from 6-8pm. A private burial will be held on Saturday. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to The John Bailey Athletic Scholarship at Centennial Bank.
Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
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37 Condolence(s)
Darrell Smith
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cant heal
Joe R. Carter
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Vickie & family,
My sincere condolences to John's family. I worked for John at Ole Miss in 1984 and I always found him to be a kind and caring person. John played a big part in my life and the decision to enter the campus recreation field. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lisa Widner
Thursday, September 3, 2015
I was shocked when Bill Mock called to tell me about John. John was one of my mentors at Ole Miss and I also had association with him via Intramurals at the Univ. of Arkansas. I left the Intramural field in 1996 so I no longer visited with him at our national conferences and for some reason I did not realize he lived in Conway where two of my siblings (and now my mom) lives. We had reconnected some on Facebook when we were trying to attend Bill Kingery's retirement event.
John was an excellent guy and a whole lot of fun. Always had that twinkle in his eye and you never knew what was next. We always shared some laughs and he loved to tease and prank (just like me). I love reading what a good manager and mentor he was to folks....as that is what it is all about in the working world.
I witnessed John giving me a big compliment to Bill Kingery when I worked under them both at Ole Miss. Neither of them never knew I overheard the conversation, but it was a good ego boost and I remember it to this day. Both men were very encouraging to me in a male dominated field.
I pray the family will be able to comforted by all the wonderful words and memories of all that knew and loved John. He was one in a million. They say the darkest skies bring out the brightest stars and John is definitely a shining star !
Pete Schneider
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
My sincere condolences to John's family. I worked with John over the past 10 - 15 years and always found him to be a kind and caring person. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Pete Schneider
President of Athletic Dealers of America
Mark Bailey
Monday, August 31, 2015
May God hold you in his hand, heal your grieving hearts, hold you in His loving arms and strengthen you in the days, weeks, months and years to come. John was my fraternity brother and brother in Christ. Cherish the memories as they are more valuable than anything. With all my prayers.
Beth Post
Monday, August 31, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bailey family during this difficult time.
Rache Hawk Atkinson
Sunday, August 30, 2015
So sorry for your loss! John was such an inspiration to many. I never saw him without a smile on his face and arms stretched out waiting to give a hug. Our family thought the world of him and will miss him greatly. You all will definitely be in our prayers.
Starlette Ingram
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Love and prayers for your family! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Ace Hardware
Saturday, August 29, 2015
One of our best customers. Always shopping with a smile. He will be missed. Our prayers to the Bailey family.
Charmaine Bailey & Fam
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Sending our thoughts, prayers, & love to an amazing man and his family!
James Wagoner
Saturday, August 29, 2015
We are so sorry to learn of John's passing. I knew him for many years and he was a very good man. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Elizabeth Corey
Friday, August 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Bailey family through this heartbreaking time.
Mike Isom
Friday, August 28, 2015
What a great guy. John was very special to me and the Bears. My prayers are with you.
The Linden Family
Friday, August 28, 2015
Our deepest condolences for the Bailey and extended familes
Donna Townsell
Friday, August 28, 2015
Beyond sadden to hear of John's passing. What a great man he was.
Pat Jones
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thanks for being a real good guy Godspeed!!
Teresa Siegel
Friday, August 28, 2015
Our family is so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. My dad, Glenn Taylor had John Bailey for a boss at Wilson Sporting Goods for many years. My dad always spoke highly of him and the kind, professional way he treated him.
Lynn Ward
Friday, August 28, 2015
Dear Bailey Family,
I have not met you but John made a very positive impression when I taught him in art class at GHS. He was talented and sharp! I am so proud of his accomplishments; and his kind spirit. I am grateful for the Facebook conversations we had after reconnecting. He was so proud of his girls. Each of you are in my prayers. With sincere sympathy, Mrs. Ward(as John called me)
Jay Schindler
Thursday, August 27, 2015
It was an honor to work with and for John for 18 years. His legacy will live on and he will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family and friends during this time.
Johnny Walker
Thursday, August 27, 2015
To John's Family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and I were classmates, John was always a stand up guy.
Blessings to your family.
Russell (Rusty) Ursery
Thursday, August 27, 2015
My prayers to the family.
Rest in Peace John
Randy & Betty Calley
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bailey family during this difficult time. Peace and understanding will come in time.
Mary Ricketts
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Prayers and deepest sympathy for you girls and all the family. I have fond memories of John as a child growing up in New Caney Baptist Church here in Gurdon. Have one memory to share that might bring a smile to your faces. John was probably middle school age and sitting in church with some other boys. Sylvia (Potsie) always sat on back corner pew. She saw him talking and she got up during message, marched to where he was sitting, got him by the ear lobe and took him back to her seat. needless to say he didn't get to sit with other kids for quite a while. Prayers for Vickie and girls. Prayers and love to Ruth Ann and Jim Don.
Garry Marshall
Thursday, August 27, 2015
So sorry to the family of John, I truly enjoyed our friendship we had as young men, a great personality, such a nice person. my prayers are for his family and friends, rest in peace
Emma Lou Barton May
Thursday, August 27, 2015
It breaks my heart to know what your family is going through at this time. Hold on to Jesus' hand and He will carry you through. Know that many, many prayers are going up on your behalf. John was a classmate for 12 years and so proud of the man he became. May you feel God's loving arms sustain you and be with you.
Vicki (Bell) Eason
Thursday, August 27, 2015
To John's Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this. John and I were classmates at Gurdon Public Schools. He was such a great guy. He is now resting in the arms of the Lord. May God bless you and keep you.
Vicki (Bell) Eason & Bonnie (Christopher) Cooper
Gurdon High School
Class of 1976
Jack & Ricki Crabtree
Thursday, August 27, 2015
I worked for and with John for 20+ years. He was a good man and we will miss him. We pray for John's family..
Mary-Catherine Flanagin Mann
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I'm so sorry, What a great guy ! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayersðŸ™! Love you!
Michael Riha
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I'm deeply saddened by the passing of John as he was a dear friend and compatriot at Wilson Sporting Goods. My sincere condolences go out to his wife Vickie, his children as well as the rest of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God comfort you in knowing that John is firmly in God's embrace. John was an inspiration for many people. His legacy is defined by his love for his family and the people he touched. He will be missed. Rest in peace John!
Sarah Copeland
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep each of you in prayers.
Robin Cole
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I know it is hard to accept the loss of this great man! I will keep you all in my prayers and pray for your recovery as well, Vickie! Keep the faith! God is near the broken hearted!
Holly Perkins
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I'm so sorry for you loss. Your family will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Cindy Beckman
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
So sorry. Thinking about you and praying for you and your family.
David & Lisa Bell
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about John. He was such a great guy and friend, he will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with your family.
Leah Hawk Standridge
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
I'm so very sorry for your loss. John was always such a kind man and a good friend to my father Rufus. He will be missed by so many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Debbie & Richard Goggans
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Out thoughts, prayers and sympathy to John's family. Everyone who new John loved him. May God bless you all with His strength & His love to get you through this difficult time.
Craig Edmonston
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Dear Vicki and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I send this. John was a wonderful man; one that I was proud to know. Even though taken from this earth far too early, he left an indelible impression on thousands of people. Impressions that cannot and will not be forgotten. His christian behavior and characteristics were not overlooked and served as an inspiration to many. Connie and I send our sincerest condolences.