Terry L. Bailey of Columbia, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, June 4. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was 78.
Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Terry was the son of Reginald and Katherine Wisegarver Bailey and brother of Robert Bailey. He married Joan Nickell Bailey, formerly of Pulaski, in 1983 and was the father of Kristin and Kendel and grandfather of Delaney. After playing quarterback at Middle Tennessee State College, he made Tennessee his home. He spent most of his career as a biology, PE, and health teacher at Columbia Central High School, where he also coached football and golf, and a science teacher at Whitthorne Middle School. He also drew house plans for hundreds of people throughout Maury County.
His calm demeanor and quiet sense of humor earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him. Terry’s wife and daughters appreciated his laidback approach to life, exemplified by his frequent expression, “Don’t sweat the small stuff . . . and everything is small stuff.” (Everything, that is, except loading the dishwasher, about which he was amusingly compulsive.)
He is survived by his wife, Joan Nickell Bailey, daughters Kristin Bailey of Baltimore and Kendel Bailey Martin of Austin, granddaughter Delaney White of Austin, and son-in-law Paul Martin of Austin (formerly of Bell Buckle).
A celebration of life will be held Thursday June 20 at Bigbyville United Methodist Church, with Tony Brown as the officiant. Visitation from 3:00-5:00 p.m. will be followed by a service at 5:00 and a covered dish supper at 6:00. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bigbyville United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
