In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV).

ENTERING INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING

Robert Jonah Bailey passed peacefully from this life the morning of Wednesday, November 15, 2023. He was surrounded and supported by his loving wife and dozens of medical professionals. Robert was a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After completing grade school and high school, he attended Winston-Salem Teachers College and served in the United States Army. Robert had a long tenure/retirement from R. J. Reynolds/Archer Products, Clemmons Elementary School, and The Winston-Salem Recreation Department. He played, managed, and loved all facets of the softball sport throughout Winston-Salem and beyond. His dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his players and colleagues.

Bob as we affectionally called him, would often state, "I didn't have the ability to chose my own wife - God did it for me and I was well pleased." Robert and Dorothy married on June 18, 1960. From the start of his marriage, He uttered these words to his bride, in the presence of guests attending their wedding ceremony: "May marital bliss crown the beginning and ending of your future life with me."  He cried and so did I.

In the beginning, "A Glorious Journey with his lovely and talented bride." Dorothy was the apple of his eyes and a true Christian. The young couple complimented each other stunningly, matched by their ability to reach for the stars together. Thanks be unto God for giving to us Robert Jonah Bailey, for 87 extraordinary years. He was always approachable, a pricelessly charismatic husband, absolutely, only one like him and that was, HIM AND HIM! Indeed, unquestionably; the greatest!

Robert was given the gift of being an excellent Christian husband, warrior, hero, a champion, a builder, a visionary, a sports leader and a great father and friend to many. After enduring the deaths of twin boys at birth, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Cynthia. Robert and his wife thought that was the end. Later, a fourth child named Paulette Diane Bailey was born and she lived 6 months, expiring on Thanksgiving morning. Hard to accept, but we made it through. We continued to serve God.

We were members of Antioch Christian Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After a long period of time, the family joined Saint Stephen Episcopal Church under the guidance of Father Divine. Later Robert and Cynthia joined Phillips Chapel Baptist Church, under the guidance of Reverend Charles W. Leak to reinforce their faith first professed under Reverend Moir, who passed away and continued with Reverend Gather Roland at Antioch Christian Church. Dorothy remained at Saint Stephen Episcopal Church for another year before joining her family at Phillips Chapel Baptist Church.

Robert actively served in the ministry, as a trustee, a part of the Senior Choir, Adult Sunday School Class, appeared in several Easter and Christmas plays. In various communities, he was well thought of, and he didn't mind helping people, whether the job was small or large. Throughout his life, he would read the Bible daily and he loved and lived by Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Robert was the ultimate family man, devoting himself to all things involving his wife of 63 years. Bob and Dorothy built their home as a place for family and friends to gather and enjoy time together and they treated every child like their own. In his younger days, Bailey and Dorothy loved hosting end-of-year/season parties and cookouts. He was kind, liberal and sincere with a mind characterized by peculiar strength and quickness of perception, he was prompt and firm in making decisions.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bailey; his daughter, Cynthia Rene (Laney); one grandson, Bryce Kivett; one great granddaughter, Skyla Ximena Kivett; two God daughters, Elise and Yareni; a brother-in-law, Jerry Isom (Barbara) all of Winston-Salem, NC; nephews:  Dovain Britt of Orlando, FL, Shelton Thomas (Laura), Ja-Quentus Thomas, of Rock Hill, SC, JaTarey Thomas, of Las Vegas, NV, Freddie Cunningham, of Raleigh, NC, Wayne and Harvey Coleman, of Winston-Salem, NC;  nieces:  Gwyn Thomas of Las Vagas, NV, Rozetta Isom and T'Shawn of York, SC, Chelsea and Shalyn Thomas of Rock Hill, SC, Janice Coleman, Shirley, Parrish and Doniyah all of Winston-Salem, NC;  a host of great nieces and great nephews; faithful cousins include: Mrs. Charlotte McCoy, of SC, Mrs. Ernestine McCoy, of Charlotte, NC, Mrs. Brenda Mayfield, Mrs. JoAnn Long, Mrs. Ruby Wilkerson, Mrs. Ella Long, of Kinston, NC, Mrs. Sam Strait, Mrs. Margaret Caldwell, Mrs. Jacqueline Payne Brooks, of Winston-Salem, NC, Mrs. Willa White, New York, NY, and Dr. Patricia McCrimmons, of Washington, D.C.

What a great man of God. Robert represented the true character and dignity of what a Christian husband should be like. He put into practice the quality and quantity and the enthusiasm of what every day should be like. Unquestionably one of a kind—indeed! God Bless him. May the work and the lifetime achievements he made be a lasting pillar of stone. The great Apostle Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Bob Bailey has now gained what he lived for - to be in HIS presence!

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Phillips Chapel Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.