Richard Lee Bailey passed away peacefully at his home in Whitewright on September 4, 2021, at the age 64. He was born to Dewey Junior and Helen Joyce (Applin) Bailey on April 4, 1957 in Charleston, West Virginia. He was the second child of six children.

Richard was a hard-working man who worked in a variety of jobs, such as bricklayer, helper in a steel mill and later at Royal Case. He believed in being on time, being at work every day and doing his job to the best of his ability.

As much as he valued work, he loved being off work and playing hard on weekends. His family called him a “Sun Bunny” because he loved being at the lake and being outdoors with them. One of his favorite past times at the lake was tossing horseshoes.

Richard married Jackie Vitt in Sherman on April 23, 1985. They were a strong match and loved being together. Part of their weekend fun together was dancing. He was loving called “John Travolta” by his family due to his smooth dance moves.

He found his identity and purpose in his family. Richard treasured his times with them. He was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, and uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Joyce Bailey, daughter, Natasha Bailey; sister, Debbie Benatti.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Bailey; sisters, Linda Hessel and Alice Shoemaker and husband Chuck; brothers, Gary Bailey, Tim Bailey, and Darrin Bailey; and extended family and friends.