Tommie Lee Bailey, 78, originally of Ardmore, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, June 22, 2026, at his home in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
He was born on Thursday, August 7, 1947, to the late Roy Lee Bailey and the late Bernice Mitchell Bailey.
Tommie grew up in Ardmore, Alabama, and spent most of his adult life in the Huntsville area. He was of the Baptist faith and attended church regularly. He was an avid runner and advocate for the Huntsville Track Club as well as the Highland Games. A lifelong athlete, Tommie was also proud to be a part of the Ardmore High School Championship Football team of the 1961-1962 season and would go on to play college football for Florence State. Tommie served his country proudly and honorably in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam as a member of a Long-Range Surveillance Company, as a radio operator. In his free time, he enjoyed running, reading, and taking good care of his dogs. He worked for the Madison County School System as a plant manager.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife, Carla Bailey, as well as one brother, Johnny Bailey.
Tommie is survived by two sons, Brett Bucher and Travis Bucher, one daughter, Taryn (Brett) Pitman, two sisters, Carol (Jim) Cooper and Donna (Tony) Malone, five grandchildren: Clay Pitman, Noah Pitman, Abby Pitman, Turner Bucher, and Trevor Bucher, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation held for Mr. Bailey at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in Ardmore, Alabama, on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A chapel service is scheduled immediately after visitation with service time beginning at 11:00 AM. Dr. Bob Pitman and Bro. Brett Pitman will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Gatlin Cemetery.
Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family with services.
