Harold "Skip" Bailey

Harold “Skip” Bailey, age 75, Unicoi, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of St. Louis, MO, but had lived in Florida and other locations before moving to Unicoi County eleven years ago. Skip was a US Army Veteran.

Skip loved life, sports, people, animals, and nature. He enjoyed fishing and deep-sea diving and was his happiest teaching and sharing his love of the ocean with others. He was THE FUNNIEST storyteller and was an amazing cook. Skip had a zest for life and wanted to squeeze every drop out of it. You could not have a lousy time in his presence. He was a loyal friend with a unique life to be celebrated. 

Skip was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Sunnie and Larry Openlander; father and stepmother, Harold E. and June Bailey; paternal aunt and uncle, Esther and Ronnie Phegley; several other maternal aunts and uncles.

Skip is survived by his loving friend of forty years, Sharon Lerette-Duke; one daughter, Jennifer L. Masloski and husband David; one sister, Susan Odom and husband, Tommy; two grandchildren: Benjamin “Levi” Masloski and Diana “Jael” Masloski; one niece, Jami Melnick and husband, Troy; several cousins, and numerous friends from St. Louis, Kansas City, Tampa/ClearWater and Erwin also survive.

A Celebration of Skip’s Life will be held at a later date.

In his honor, please call a friend that you haven't spoken to in a while, make peace where you need to and take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you.  He would not want us to be heartbroken.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bailey family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bailey family.  (423) 743-1380.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold "Skip" Bailey, please visit our floral store.