David Bailey, age 70, of Cadiz, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at his home in Cadiz.
Born on April 1, 1955, in Fort Pierce, Florida, he was the son of the late James and Cynthia Willis Bailey.
For many years, David was a cowboy, working at various ranches in Texas and throughout South Florida, including Williamson Cattle Company in Okeechobee. After moving to Dickson, Tennessee, he worked in construction as a self-employed contractor and master carpenter. David also worked for Clayton Homes for more than a decade, earning the respect of his fellow contractors across Tennessee and the surrounding states.
A man of many talents, David had an ear for music, a gift passed on to him from generations of family in the music business. Once a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist in his brother Sonny’s band, David loved music and enjoyed playing different genres. Among his many other interests, David loved shooting pool, winning state tournaments in Florida many times over during the 90’s. He was an avid Florida State University sports fan and also cheered for the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Dolphins. He enjoyed playing and coaching softball and watching PBR rodeo events on television. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved to dance, garden, and cook.
David was a Godly man who stood firm in his faith, always willing to share his love for Jesus with anyone who would listen. He was a generous man, always willing to offer his help and was a true friend to others. Most of all, David was a dedicated patriarch to his family and often extended that caring, loving nature to the children that lived in his neighborhood and community.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Sonny” Bailey; and a sister, Melvadine “Melvie” Jones.
He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Ferris of Cadiz, KY, Leesa Bailey (Thomas Price) of Sebastian, FL, Jessica Bailey of Cadiz, KY, and Shasity Hagewood Mayberry of Dickson, TN; sons, Brent Wiley of Clarksville, TN and Brandon Freeman of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Austin Ferris (Alyssa) of Lugoff, SC, Josh Ferris (Hallie Bauer) of Queen Creek, AZ, Mercede Bailey and Raynah Bailey, both of Sebastian, FL; great-grandchildren, Grayson Ferris, Houston Ferris, and Kinsley Ferris; brothers, Herbert Bailey (Kathy) of Riverton, WY, Vernon Bailey (Annette) of Cheyenne, WY, and Andy Bailey (Sherrie) of Columbia, TN; and sisters, Donna Thompson (Danny) of Columbia, TN and Carol Szentmartoni (Steve) of Okeechobee, FL.
A celebration of David’s life will take place at a later date, to be announced.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz, Kentucky.
