John H. Bailey, Jr.

John H. Bailey, Jr. of Harriman passed away at the age of 98 on April 21, 2008. Known as Johnny to his family and close friends, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Louise Stanifer Bailey, and son-in-law, Jim Estes. John was born in 1909 to Mary Etta and John H. Bailey, Sr., in Johnson City. Some time later, the family moved to Indianapolis where John enjoyed ice skating and gymnastics as a youngster. As a teenager in a family of nine children, John left home to find work. He worked in Texas and then traveled to Florida where he lived for a few years and learned the printing trade. When his family moved to Harriman, John joined them and bought a neighborhood grocery store from his father. John and Louise were married in 1932 and operated the store until 1956. John also sold life insurance and worked at the K-25 Plant for a short time. Around the age of 40, he learned the building trade and began building and renovating houses; he also became a skilled cabinet maker. He taught the general trades class at Roane County High School for a few years before retirement age. John formerly sang in the choir at First Christian Church in Harriman and in a Barbershop Quartet. He played tennis and golf and was active in the Harriman Garden Club. He raised beautiful flowers at his home, with the help of Jim Brock. John was an avid reader who had an inquisitive and intelligent mind. He especially enjoyed playing Scrabble with his daughters. The daughters of John and Louise Bailey are grateful for the long lives of their parents and their positive influences on them and their families. The daughters and son-in-law are Pat Estes of Harriman and Julianne Bailey and Bob Brown of Kingston. Grandchildren and families include Darin Estes, wife Angela, and sons Connor and Ben of Knoxville; Kelli Gilliland Klidzejs of Manchester; Major John E. Gilliland, wife Cindy, son Dylan of Eglin AFB, Florida, and Erin and Shawn of Memphis. John is also survived by two step granddaughters; Jennifer Brown of Johnson City; Elizabeth B. Seaton, husband Tim, and daughter Brynn of Knoxville. John is survived by only one of his eight siblings, Mary Bailey Turley of Winter Haven, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service and interment will be 2:00 PM Tuesday at Willard Park Cemetery with Jessie Rittenhouse officiating.

John H. Bailey, Jr.

July 15, 1909 - April 21, 2008