Mr. Purcell Bailey

Purcell G. Bailey, a beloved husband, father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great, Great Grandfather. Entered enteral peace on February 8, 2026, with his family surrounding him at home in Spring Grove, Virginia'.

Purcell G. Bailey was born in Surry County, Virginia on September 8, 1919, to the late Alex H. Bailey and Carrie Little Bailey on the same property on Lebanon Road where he now resides. Mr. Bailey was the 7th of eight children. The farm that was the Bailey home place originally belonged to Theopolis Butler (family step grandfather).

Mr. Bailey attended Lebanon Elementary school with Reverend H. M. Henderson and his wife Marie as teachers through the 7th grade. He attended Dendron Training School for two years with J. D. Ashley as principal and his wife as assistant. He participated in baseball andbasketball at Dendron.

Purcell Bailey was drafted in the Army January 4, 1943 and was discharged December 16, 1945 as a T4 Sergeant and is a World War II Veteran.

Back home in Surry County after the war, Mr. Bailey worked a number of jobs including carpentry work. Later in 1949 at a football game, he heard about a school in D.C that would train him as an interior decorator. He entered that school January 16th1950, and graduated July 15, 1951. He then moved to St. Albans, New York and went into business with his brother James for six months. Helater started his own business. His first job was for Catherine Basie, wife of the famous musician and bandleader Count Basie. Mr. Bailey’s business thrived and, with contracts in Westchester County NY he had up to six employees. His contracts were with the city, state and federal government and the VA hospital. He was a member and president of the Local Chamber of Commerce for 14 years.

Living in St. Albans, NY, Mr. Bailey joined the Calvary Baptist Church. His pastor was Rev. Walter S. Penn. Eventually, Mr. Bailey became president of the Men’s Council for 14 years. He was appointed Chairman of the Trustee Board for 7 (seven) years. Pastor Floyd Flake of the Allen A.M.E. Church was later elected to the U.SCongress from 1962-63.

Mr. Bailey left NY about 1992-93 and returned to Surry County. He has always been a member of Lebanon Baptist Church. Since his return, he has been involved in many civic organizations in Surry. He served as the First president of Surry County’s African Historical Society.

Purcell Bailey, Sr. married Corinne Parker-Bailey in 1951 and from that union they had two children, Dr. Purcell Jr./Violet, and Cynthia Bailey. (VA) After Corinne passing Purcell married Nellie R. Stephens. He has three grandchildren, Krysta, Purcell III /Lauren (MD) Austin Bailey/Eliza(NJ) and two great grandchildren. He has two sister-in-law Willie M. Worrell (VA) Lenora Morgan (NY) two brother-in-law Bobby L Stephens/Joan (GA) Melvin Stephens/Allisha (NY) and a host of nieces, and nephews.

Purcell was a life member NAACP, Past Master Crispus Attucks Lodge #60 1986-1993. .  

Thank you to the following agencies:  VA McGuire Hospital Richmond Virginia, Gentiva Hospice, Bay Aging Services, Surry County EMS.  You did an outstanding job for my husband.  Thank you thank you.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00AM Saturday February 21, 2026 at Lebanon Baptist Church 265 Lebanon Rd., Spring Grove Va. 23881.

Viewing 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Bailey will be laid to rest in the Bailey Family Cemetery, Surry with full military honors.

www.poolesfuneralhome.com

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