John Bailey

John Marion Bailey, age 80, a longtime resident of the Steele community, died Sunday, April 2, 2023, at UMMC in Jackson with his loving wife of 31 years by his side.
Visitation will be held from 5pm-8pm Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Funeral services will be conducted at 11am Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in the chapel of the Ott & Lee funeral home in Forest. Interment will follow the service at Leesburg Church of Christ in Rankin County. Bro. John White and Bro. Larry Hunt will officiate.
John was born on January 25, 1943, in Harperville, MS to parents, William Marion and Mary L. E. Rushing. John worked at A&P Grocery and at Shaw’s (formerly known as Regal) for many years. Before retirement, he owned and operated his own convenience store. John enjoyed anything to do with antique cars and trucks. He liked to attend Cruisin’ the Coast and car shows. John loved spending time with his friends and family. His wife, Mary, says that “ if love could have kept him here, he would have never left.” John will be missed by all who knew him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William Marion and Mary L. E. Bailey; brothers Bill Bailey, Kenneth Bailey, and Lexie Bailey; sisters Myra Bailey and Helen Rutz; and daughter Martha Littrell. He is survived by his wife, Mary Bailey; sister, Inez Lee (Norman); sons Johnny Bailey and Tommy W. Stewart (Stephanie); daughter, Sandra Thrash (Charles); granddaughters, Brandy Littrell and Kayla Thrash; grandsons, Jonathan Littrell and Adam Thrash (Caitlin) and brother-in-law, Ron Rutz.
Pallbearers are Charles Thrash, Adam Thrash, Josh Gay, Richard Dolan, and Tommy W. Stewart.