Loid Russell Bailey Sr., 81, lifelong resident of Lake City, passed away Monday, August 15, 2022 in his home. He was born on December 23, 1940 to the late Burton Henry and Mittie Ruth Britt Bailey in Wellborn, FL.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Lake City, FL for over 50 years and was previously a member of Wellborn United Methodist Church.  He worked with Guerdon Industries prior to working as a fabricator with the Division of Forestry, where he retired after 30 years.

He was a loving husband, father, and papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by brothers Eugene Bailey and Eddie Joe Bailey, a sister Marilyn Bailey Nash Connell and grandson Hunter Gillen Bailey.

He coached football and basketball with the local Boys Club in his younger years and has enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing and especially enjoyed eating good country cooking. Whether he was fishing, traveling or visiting restaurants he enjoyed talking and greeting everyone he came in contact with.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dorothy Herndon Bailey; sons, Rusty Bailey (Dr. Patricia), Scott Bailey (Emily), Dusty Bailey (Carrie), Kevin Bailey (Dr. Hillary); grandchildren, Bethany Herron (Ashton), Lauren, "Josh B", Remington, Tara, Ava, Brielle, Aiden, Brooke and Cooper Bailey and one great grandchild, Hunter Herron; like a daughter, Debbie King (Carl).

Funeral services for Mr. Bailey will be conducted at 11:00 on Saturday, August 20th at First United Methodist Church of Lake City with Pastor Aaron Ankeny and Dusty Bailey officiating. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall immediately after the funeral, to be followed by interment at Wellborn Cemetery.  Visitation for family to receive friends will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 19th at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to First Methodist Church fund:  973 S. Marion Ave. Lake City, FL 32025 in memory of Russell Bailey.