Mr. Charles “Earl” Bailes, 77, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., tomorrow, May 9th, 2017 at First Freewill Baptist Church in Florence. Funeral services will follow at the church at 1 p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Mike Crews. Burial will follow in Tri Cities Memorial Gardens.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents, William and Della Bailes; brother, Fred Bailes; and sister, Virginia Akins.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Tannia Bailes, of Florence; daughters, Tammy Lewis and Teresa Hastings (Chris), of Ponte Vedra, Florida; son, Charles Bailes, Jr. (Tammy), of Killen; grandchildren, Christopher and Delancey Hastings, Grace Lewis, and Austin Bailes; nephew, Jimmy Bailes; and niece, Glenda Suggs.
After graduating from Coffee High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served two years in London, England. He retired from Reynolds Metal after 22 years of service. After obtaining a degree from Muscle Shoals State Technical College in upholstery, he established Bailes Upholstery. He later retired from the University of North Alabama after 13 years of service.
Earl was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Florence and loved his church family. He encouraged others with his faith and shared his kind heart with everyone he met.
He was an avid reader who enjoyed learning about his ancestry. He loved Alabama and UNA football, camping, listening to music, traveling, eating desserts, and spending time with his friends at the YMCA.
Earl was a loving husband, father, papaw and friend. He will be forever loved and missed until we reunite again in heaven.
Austin Bailes, Jimmy Bailes, Chris Hastings, Chris Hastings Jr., Billy Jackson, and Jason Jackson will serve as pallbearers. Buddy Lee Armstrong, George Capps, Billy Gamble, and Wayne Suggs will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the doctors and nurses who helped with his care, especially Anthony and Courtney. You may sign the guestbook at sprywilliams.com
