Reid Hamilton Bailey

Reid Hamilton Bailey, longtime Newport businessman and civic and church leader, died Monday, Jan. 12, after a period of declining health. He was 94. Bailey and his family moved to Newport in 1953 when he became assistant manager to the late R. H. Carson of the local Parks-Belk. In l957, the company sent Bailey to New Tazewell as full manager of a newly-acquired store there. After Carson's retirement four years later, the family returned to Newport and Bailey became manager of the local business. Shortly after the family's return, a major downtown fire destroyed the local Parks-Belk and for about a year's time, the business was located in different buildings while a new building was constructed at the corner of Main Street and Baer Avenue. A portion of this building is now incorporated into Manes Funeral Home. Bailey retired in 1983 after 43 years of service with Belk's. In addition to his career, Bailey devoted many decades of work to his church, First United Methodist, serving on various boards and committees, and attended early church services regularly until just a few weeks ago. He also was active in the Newport Kiwanis Club and contributed his talents and service to other groups including the United Way, Cocke County Baptist Hospital, Jefferson-Cocke Utility Board, Stokely Memorial Library, Sunset Gap Community Center, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce. Bailey was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Melba Waddell Bailey, on September 15, 2009. Survivors include his daughter, Brenda (Dr. Robert) Kisabeth, and son, Martin (Diane) Bailey. Grandchildren: Meredith (Dr. Travis) Fawver, Malerie (Robert) Bloomquist, Weston (Tessa) Bailey, Kimberly (Jeff) Chemerinsky, Katherine (Lt. John) Bockmann. Great-Grandchildren: Bridgette, Mason and Benjamin REID Fawver, Landon Bloomquist, Kara Bailey, Andrew Chemerinsky, Emily and Charlotte Bockmann. Second family: Marvin, Lauren, Abby, Cole and Maggie Rubac; Josh, Ashley, Logan and Tyler Mayou. Above-and-beyond caregiver and friend: Shawnee Driskill. A memorial celebration will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Newport on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 1:30 p.m. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service. Those wishing to honor Reid's memory may do so by making a donation to the First United Methodist Church, 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign the guest register at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home is in charge.

Reid Hamilton Bailey

May 21, 1920 - January 12, 2015