Obituaries

John William Bailey

Photo of John  William  Bailey
John William Bailey, 57, of Conway went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday August 25, 2015. He was born December 2, 1957 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Harrison Rich Bailey and Sylvia Jean Rickett Bailey. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas. He graduated from Gurdon High School in 1976 with three consecutive State Championships in tennis. He attended University of Central Arkansas on a tennis scholarship and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He graduated a letterman in 1979. John then attended University of Arkansas and graduated with his Masters in 1980. While attending University of Central Arkansas he met the love of his life, Vickie Ann Gattis Bailey, and wed June 21st 1980 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They recently celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary with hundreds of family and friends at a surprise party thrown by their daughters. Upon graduation he taught at the University of Mississippi in the Intermural Recreation Department. Following his time at Ole Miss he worked for the American Softball Association in Oklahoma. He then found his true calling and began working for Wilson Sporting Goods in the Promotions Department. John traveled all over the US through his more than 27 years with Wilson Sporting Goods. He received many honors and awards for his dedication and success as a Regional Sales Manager. He has made a huge impact in the sporting goods industry and will always be known around town as "The Wilson Guy". John also served on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. While he was not traveling for work, John pursued his passion for golf, piano, and cooking. Many will miss his famous barbeque sauce, pizza, and steaks. He won the City Golf Championship at Conway Country Club where he was an active member for decades. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family at White Oak lake. His proudest recent accomplishment was becoming a "Papaw". He loved spending time with his granddaughters and thought the world of them. He was the best Papaw and will truly be missed by "his girls". John is survived by his wife Vickie, two daughters Andrea Bailey Fournier and her husband, Justin, of Conway, Laura Bailey Rettberg and her husband, Jarad, of Chicago; three granddaughters, Bailey Fournier, Harlee Fournier, and Quinn Rettberg; His sister Ruth Ann Byers of Oklahoma, Father in law Wally Gattis of Fort Smith, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Sylvia Bailey, and his Mother in law, Margaret Chastain Gattis. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary on Friday August 28th from 6-8 p.m. A private burial will be held on Saturday. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to The John Bailey Athletic Scholarship at Centennial Bank. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

Published August 28, 2015

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