Anthony J. Bailey Sr.

Anthony Jerome Bailey Sr., age 74 of Bluefield, West Virginia; formerly of Northfork, West Virginia departed this life on Friday, December 27, 2024 in the Mercer Healthcare Center in Bluefield, West Virginia, after being a resident. 

Anthony, lovingly known as  "Tony" to his friends and family, was born in Welch, West Virginia on February 9, 1950.  He was the son of Mattie Twitty Bailey.  After graduating from Big Creek High School, where he was an outstanding football player,  Tony joined the workforce.  He had held many positions, and was last employed as a salesman for Andy Clark Dealership in Princeton, West Virginia.   For many years, he and his wife, Diane owned and operated the Backyard Barbecue Restaurant in Welch.  Tony's signature barbecue sauce was well known throughout the State of West Virginia.    He and Diane had the privilege of serving their barbecue sauce at a dinner party hosted by former Governor Joe and Mrs. Gayle Manchin at their mansion  in Charleston, West Virginia during his time in Office.  Also, various stores kept his barbecue sauce in stock and on their shelves. 

Tony was "one of a kind," and to know him was to love him.  He never met a stranger, had the "gift of gab," and was a "people person."  He was preceded in death by his Mother; his wife, Beverly "Diane" Bailey; two brothers, John Bailey and Robbie Walker; two sisters, Clarice and Susie Bailey.

Tony was a family man.  He loved his wife, Diane and was a devoted father, son, brother and granddad.  His conversations were almost always about the "goodness of God."

He will be remembered and cherished by his six children:  Monica and her husband, James Smith of Bluefield, with whom he had made his home; Anthony J.  (Samonee Webb) Bailey Jr.,  of Northfork; Latrenda Bailey of Flint, Michigan, Sherry Bailey of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Robert Younger of Columbus, Ohio and Tamraa and her husband, Roscoe Padgett of Welch;  a host of grandchildren; which includes, five special grands: Zawanna, Montay, DeAndre, Tony III., and Nahiem; his siblings:  Andrea Jackson, Janet Ford, Michael Walker, Chris Walker, Greg Walker, Terry and his wife, Teajuana Walker all of Flint, Michigan, David Callahan of Huntington, West Virginia, Larry Callahan of Florida and Lisa Callahan of Tennessee; his mother-in-love, Edith Allen of Warrenton, Virginia; a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church 104 Park Street in Bluefield,, West Virginia with the Reverend Eugene Watson, officiating.  Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, until the time of Service.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.