Obituary for Larry W. Bailey
On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, Larry W. Bailey, a faithful, kind and godly man, passed away due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease at age 79. Surrounded by family, Larry was carried peacefully into the arms of Jesus Christ and is now completely healed in mind and body.
Born on December 12, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, his Christian parents, Carl Greene Bailey and Susan Marvel Bailey, raised their three sons to know God. In the late 1950s, Larry professed his faith in Jesus Christ after hearing the gospel shared by Howard E. Butt, a renowned businessman and Christian evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Larry’s quiet, staunch faith was the centerpiece of his life’s journey.
In 1963, Larry met Beverly while they were in college. They fell in love and married on May 26, 1964, at Parkview Baptist Church where Larry served as Minister of Music. His love for music was a lifelong passion. Not only did God gift him with a beautiful, expressive baritone voice, but he was equally accomplished in directing choirs at numerous churches in Birmingham.
Larry loved hymns, old standards as well as contemporary worship songs. “The Hallelujah Chorus,” which he loved to sing, was a forever favorite. Given his love of flying a plane, the Top Gun theme music was fine to listen to anytime!
Larry’s desire to seek better career opportunities led him to join his brother Rush in 1968 in a start-up air conditioning business that later evolved into manufacturing air and water treatment devices. His successes allowed him to travel to China, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
The move to Orlando stressed Beverly and Larry’s marriage for a short time, but they remained committed to their vows, and through the wise counsel of their pastor, the experience strengthened their love. Their 58 years of marriage gave them great joy.
Larry’s philosophy was “If something can be made better –– including life –– then I want to do it.” A true “MacGyver,” he could repair electronics, cars, stereos, refrigerators, and even a wayward clock.
In 1979, Beverly and Larry purchased land, located miles from any conveniences. Hardly anything brought Larry more contentment than getting on his Kubota tractor to mow the pasture or use other implements to keep their five acres in shape. The fertile land became their sanctuary for more than forty years.
Outside of family (and mowing the grass!), Larry’s passions included flying, photography, cycling, church, and Bible study. After retiring in 2008, he and Beverly planted 120 peach trees and for ten years, they hosted U-picks for local families to enjoy.
Larry was a good man—steadfast and kindhearted—a Biblical Barnabas to anyone needing help. An adored husband, beloved father, and cherished friend, all of us will miss his sense of humor, wisdom, and endless love. Today, Larry is healed in both mind and body, enjoying an eternal and perfect relationship with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Larry is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two children: Shawn (Kellie) of Evergreen, Colorado, and Susan (Matt) Winter Garden, Florida. Two lovely granddaughters, Bailey and Noelle, were the delight of his life. He was predeceased by his brother James Rushton in 2017 and is survived by his other brother Carl of Birmingham, Alabama. Nieces and nephews, whom Larry dearly loved, also survive.
A memorial service for Larry will be held at First Baptist Church Sweetwater, 3800 Wekiva Springs Road, Longwood, FL 32779, at 2:00 p.m. on September 24, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Life Hope Ministries at Northland Church, 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750 (https:www.northlandchurch.net/give) or to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org).
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