Thursday, March 28, 2024

Buel Lee “Slim” Bailey – Obituary

Buel L. Baileyÿ&3Buel Lee “Slim” Bailey, age 87 years, a resident of Anna and a former resident of the Glendale community, passed away Tuesday morning, May 27, 2014, at 8:45 a.m. at the Anna Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Buel Lee was born August 27, 1926 in Marion, Illinois. He was the son of Edgar Earl & Bertha Leola (Cox) Bailey.

Buel Lee was united in marriage to Doris E. Whiteside on May 29, 1954 in Creal Springs, Illinois. She survives.

Other survivors include: a daughter – Elaine (Kerry) Ray of Anna; 2 grandchildren – Emma Kate Ray and Evan Thomas Ray; a sister – Juanita (Wayne) Hardin of Harrisburg; a sister-in-law – Wanda Bailey of Vienna; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Buel Lee was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Lowell Laverne Bailey and Rev. John (Mildred) Bailey; a sister – Ruth (John) Trigg.

Buel Lee had been employed as a farm laborer and member of the fence crew at the University of Illinois Agricultural Center at Dixon Springs for 34 years, prior to his retirement in 1986. Buel Lee was hardworking and constantly busy working on some project. In addition to farm work, he enjoyed house painting, mowing, woodworking and was constantly “tinkering and repairing” lawn mowers.

Buel Lee was a devoted member of the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church. He attended faithfully as long as his health permitted. Buel Lee was as a church deacon, longtime Sunday school teacher and served for 25 years as the church treasurer. He had also served as a member of the presbytery of the Social Brethren churches. Buel Lee loved his Lord and enjoyed visiting with and serving others. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. Also, he was never hesitant to share his faith or witness for the Lord. Buel Lee had a deep love of family and he cherished time spent with them. He especially enjoyed a good game of dominoes.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, May 31, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church, near Simpson. Rev. Jerry Wells will officiate. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2014, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 12 noon – 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959 (www.hospice.org)