of Little Rock, AR
November 15, 1952 - May 19, 2019
John William Bailey of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at the age of 66. He was born on November 15, 1952, in Jackson, Tennessee to his late parents, William Hampton and Norreen M. Cassidy Bailey. John graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1975 and a master's degree in Structural Engineering in 1977.
John spent the majority of his professional career working in the construction industry focused on steel fabrication and erection. He acted as the Chief Operating Officer of Havens Steel Company in Kansas City, MO for 14 years before becoming the President of Prospect Steel in Little Rock, AR in 2000. He proudly served on the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Steel Construction and the Central Fabricators Association. As a result of his contributions to structural engineering, John received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Tennessee Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2000 and was inducted as a member of their inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2017.
John was an avid, if admittedly average, golfer. He forged many friendships on the courses at Chenal Country Club, where he was a member. He enjoyed watching sports and was an enthusiastic fan of the UT Volunteers and Kansas City Chiefs. John was a dedicated father who enjoyed beating his sons in pool and losing to them in pinball. He was excited to get to spend time with his young grandson who knew him as "Granddaddy."
John leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Marilyn Jane Bailey; sons Andrew Craft Bailey and his wife Amy and their son Aidan of New York City, NY, Daniel Hampton Bailey of Tampa, FL and Patrick William Bailey of Fayetteville, AR; and sister Linda Herring and her husband Bartley of Memphis, TN.
A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 24, 2019, in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, AR.
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6 Condolence(s)
Chad Van Buskirk
Friday, May 24, 2019
Just got the news today and was sad to hear of John's much too early departure. I always figured he had enough steel in his blood to outlast the ages and am very disappointed to find that is not the case.
John was my first real boss and a powerhouse in the steel industry backed by a wealth of knowledge and solid business acumen.
I learned a lot in my years under his leadership and on often still think of my time working with him 15yrs after. You'll be missed John! Best to you and your family.
Joel Halterman, Walsh Construction
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
We are so sad to hear of John's passing. We will always remember John fondly and have memories of the intense shuffleboard games played with him at Steel Wings. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Marcy Childers
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John was a friend and coworker. He was very nice and always smiled when you would say good morning. I pray God will give you comfort and peace. RIP my friend. We will miss him!
George Howard and Family
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Mr. Bailey will be missed, it will take a while to get back to normal with out him.
Darrell Taylor
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
I am sorry for the loss of such a great leader.
Vern Williams
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
John was my first golf buddy. Over the years he gave me valued advice on marriage , money and fatherhood . I know how much he loved his family. A zest for life; and spirit I’ll never forget.