Robert Milton Bailey, Sr.

Robert M. Bailey (Bob), 84, of Lynchburg passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016. He was born on September 14, 1931, the youngest of ten children, to Edward Smith Bailey and Mary Fannie Bailey. He attended E. C. Glass and was fortunate to play basketball for Jimmy Bryan, who became a role model for him. He earned a basketball scholarship to the College of William and Mary. While there he worked several jobs, including one as an usher for “The Common Glory” where he met Joyce Clingenpeel, who became his wife on June 22, 1957. He was preceded in death by eight of his siblings and is survived by his sister Rebecca (Pat) McQuarry of Lynchburg; his wife Joyce Bailey; his four children: Robert M. Bailey, Jr. (and wife Laura), Mary Elizabeth Wertz (and husband Geoff), Ruth Anne Oertle (and husband Scott), Michael Bryan Bailey; and his 11 grandchildren: Brian McCraw, Chris Bailey, Peter Wertz, Joe Wertz, Cathy Wertz, Katherine Oertle, Sarah Oertle, Joseph Bailey, Jeremy Bailey, Julia Bailey and Diana Bailey. He loved each of them with all his heart.

Bob worked in the Lynchburg City Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator until he retired in 1986. Bob was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, where he was active in a variety of roles including Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Elder and Clerk of the Session. Bob loved Smith Mountain Lake and loved to share time with family and friends there.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, August 17, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Tharp Funeral Home at 220 Breezewood Drive. A memorial service will be held Thursday afternoon, August 18, at 2:00 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can made in Bob’s name to First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory Lynchburg is assisting the family.