Cletis Bailey

Cletis A. Bailey Sr, 99, a resident of McDonald, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Tucker Springs near McDonald on November 30th, 1925.

Cletis was a World War II veteran; joined the 84th infantry, rail splitters, in Belgium in January 1945. He served as Beast of Burden ammo bearer and rifleman. He then joined the Air Force in 1950. In 1952 he married Dorothy Joyce Gray while he was serving in England. Cletis also served in France, Germany,Two tours in Vietnam. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years, retiring as Master Sargent.

After retiring from the Air Force, Cletis worked at McKee Foods for 15 years.

Initiated, passed and raised in the winter of 1966 Normandy Lodge #063. The same year he joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Memphis orient of Tennessee. He received his 50 year membership award in 2016 from Cleveland Lodge No. 134. Cletis was also active in Alhambra Shriners, Elks Lodge, American Legion, and a longtime member of the McDonald Ruritan. Cletis was also a longtime member of McDonald United Methodist Church. In recent years he had become active traveling with The Best Defense Foundation, meeting other veterans from around the world.

Cletis was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Joyce Bailey, Mary Elizabeth Bean Bailey and daughters Sharon and Ruth. Survivors include his children, Sandra (Frank) Hendrick, Robert (Esther) Bailey, Cletis Bailey Jr (B.J.), Mark Bailey (Pat), Grandchildren Jennifer (Mike), Melissa David, Chris David (Inga), Brandon Bailey, Jordan (Ana) Bailey, Lauren Bailey Thompson (Zach), Jessica Bailey, Eirlys Bailey and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Bryant (Pete),

Cletis enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling all over the world, bus trips, playing bingo at the McDonald Community Center and always eating, especially at Myrtle's Cafe.

The family will welcome guests at Companion Funeral Home, Ridge Chapel, Monday, July 7, 2025, 5:00-7:00. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025, beginning at 11:00, also at Companion Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Lee Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be rendered.