JOHN BURNS BAILEY

John Burns Bailey, 82, formerly of Green Mountain, North Carolina, has gone to be with our Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2018.

Born on April 30, 1936, in Mars Hill, North Carolina, John was the youngest son of the late Erskine and Gladys Honeycutt Bailey. As a young boy, John attended the public schools of Yancey County, North Carolina. He attended Mars Hill College and later began working in textiles at Firth Carpet in Burnsville. He was married to Lila June Taylor. John and Lila came to the Sumter area by way of the dairy industry. John was employed by Sumter Dairies for 23 years. He returned to the textile industry, working for Santee Print Works for 12 years.

John loved music and song. In his early adult life, he spent much of his time singing at weddings and in church choirs. He passed his talent and passion on to his children. He was a member of Northside Memorial Baptist Church for more than 50 years.

John is survived by Lila, his wife of 57 years; five children, Nancy Cook (David), John Erskine Bailey (Amanda), Penny Cook (Patrick), David Bailey (Lisa) and Darryl Bailey (Kathryn); 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Adalee Hipps and Karen Bengston; one brother, Claude Bailey; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many dear friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward Bailey and Earl Bailey; and one sister, Juanita Wallace.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Neal Sweet officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.