James Fred Bailey

James Fred Bailey, age 92, of Biscoe, NC entered his heavenly home on July 21, 2026, at his residence.

He was born in Eagle Springs, NC on December 11, 1933, to Etheridge Shelton and Lena Nall Bailey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Etheridge, William Thomas and David Arnold Bailey and his loving wife Etta Rea Britt Bailey.

A 1952 graduate of Biscoe High School, he went to NC State University for his degree in Agricultural Education. Upon graduating in 1956, he married Etta Rea Britt, and they shared 61 years of marriage together. That same year he taught at Ellerbe High School for the 1956-57 school year and was then drafted into the Army to serve in the Military Police in Okinawa, Japan where he served until 1959. He returned home and taught at North Davidson High School from 1959-1961. When East Montgomery High School opened in 1961, he had the opportunity to move back home and teach agriculture alongside J.E. Sheffield. While there he taught agriculture and horticulture and in 1973 he entered NC State University again as a part-time student to get his Master's degree in agricultural education. He was the FFA advisor and led a very strong and successful program until his retirement in 1986.

Upon retirement he spent his time on personal interests such as gardening, woodworking, fishing, hunting, and beekeeping. He enjoyed preserving food, cooking, and wine making. He loved his bees and loved the fellowship and friendship of other beekeepers. Above all of these things, he loved his family and led a life full of dedication and service to God, his community, helping others and teaching others. At every opportunity or request, he was there to help or serve whoever needed it in any way possible. He was a man of strong faith and a true example of a Christian. He became a member of Flint Hill Christian Church in 1946 and remained a life-long member. He held many leadership roles there including teacher, deacon and church superintendent for 56 years. In later years his greatest joy came from time spent with his dog Maggie May, his golf cart for getting around to feed his chickens, and time spent with his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Priscilla and husband Chris Reynolds of Star, grandchildren Carson and Lena Reynolds, sisters in law Betty Bailey of Greenville, NC, Carolyn Bailey of Biscoe, NC and Shirley Bailey of Morgantown, KY and his beloved dog and companion Maggie May.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped him and loved him during the final years of his life here on earth; Greta and Jazzmine Baldwin, Ann Thomas, Shelia Williams, Elaine Moore and Deborah Alston.

Memorials can be made to Flint Hill Christian Church, via Priscilla Reynolds, 2987 Tarry Church Road, Biscoe, NC 27209.

The family will receive visits from friends and family on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Phillips Funeral Home, 216 S. Main Street, Star, NC 27356 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held at Flint Hill Christian Church on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 am with Rev. Tim Simmons officiating. Interment will be private for the family.

The Bailey family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.