Charles Allen Bailey

Charles Allen Bailey, a lifelong resident of McMinn County, died on the morning of September 2nd, 2019 after suffering a stroke only two days before.
He is preceded in death by his father, Leslie Bailey, his mother, Ann (Land) (Bailey) Lawson, and his stepfather, Frank Lawson.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Joyce (Howard) Bailey, his brother and sister-in-law, Sherman and Edith (Yoder) Bailey, his stepbrother and his wife, Joe and Rebecca Lawson, his sons and daughter-in-laws, Dr. Keith and Angela (Brown) Bailey, and Kent and Stephanie (Gardner) Bailey, and his grandchildren, whom he adored, Kaitlyn, Miller, Taylor, and Madalyn.  He had three nieces who were very special to him, Linda (Bailey) Roberts, Susan (Bailey) Tutor, and Donna (Bailey) Samsel, a nephew, Eric Lawson, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Charles Bailey was a graduate of McMinn County High school and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1963.  He was stationed in the U.S. and in Germany as an Air Policeman.
He worked for Bowater as a pipefitter for over 35 years.  However, his true vocation was his service to youth through the Boy Scouts of America. In 1969, together with the leadership of Burkett Witt and Rev. Carl Ware, he began work to charter a Boy Scout Troop to give equitable opportunities to African-American youth to be a part of Scouting when they were denied access to other such opportunities. Boy Scout Troop 361 was chartered in 1970 and sponsored by Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.  He served as the Scoutmaster for over 20 years and opened his heart, his home, and his church to those whom he served.  He went on to serve in various roles on the Troop 361 Troop Committee and the Unaka District Council, giving a total of 40 years to Scouting.  He was given the Vigil Honor by the Order of the Arrow and received the Silver Beaver Award to honor his leadership in Scouting. He is a holder of the Cross and Flame Award, a Scouting award associated with the United Methodist Church, and he was given the 1979 Award of Merit from the Unaka District.  He also received the AFL-CIO’s nationally recognized George Meany Award for Outstanding Service to Youth.
He was a dedicated member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, where he worked with youth in his early years and served in leadership on numerous committees.  He was an avid sports fan and a supporter of Tennessee Wesleyan athletics. In his retirement, he volunteered for numerous organizations, was known for his random acts of kindness for those in need, and was an ardent supporter of U.S. Military Veterans. 
He will be remembered for his service to others, his sense of humor, and his kind heart.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 P.M. Thursday in Allen Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. Charles Ensminger and Rev. Charla Sherbakoff officiating. Interment will be 10:30 A.M.  Friday in U. S. National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn. The family will recieve friends from 4-7 Thursday in the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Air Knoxville Chapter, c/o please make checks payable to Honor Air Knoxville, 7536 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938-8996
and Boy Scout Camp Buck Toms, Campership Fund, Great Smokey Mountain Council, P. O. Box 51885, Knoxville, Tenn. 37950. Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com./notices/Charles-Bailey. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.