Ron K. Bailey

Ron K. Bailey

June 28, 1937 – December 25, 2024

Ron Keith Bailey, of Abingdon, VA, lived 87 years and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25, 2024). He was born on June 28, 1937, in Buchanan County, VA, a son of the late Clyde Bailey and Velva Murphy Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter Saundra “Sunny” Bailey and her daughter MacKenzie Elise Ridsdale; three of his brothers, Don, Jennis, and Clyde (June Bug); and one sister, Sharon Bailey. 

Ron was a devoted husband and father, a quiet thoughtful man who loved his family. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and served his country for 22 years before retiring with the rank of SMSgt. He was an airman in the Strategic Air Command, did one tour of duty in Vietnam and one tour of duty in Thailand during the Vietnam War, and also worked with tactical fighter squadrons in several countries. During his military career, he was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor when he rescued airmen from a burning barracks and received several other distinctive recognitions. In retirement, he enjoyed hunting and trout fishing with rod and reel or a bow, walking on the Virginia Creeper Trail with wife Eileen, spending time with family, watching old black and white Westerns, grilling chicken for his grandchildren, going to church, and helping others through challenging times.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Eileen, whom he adored from the moment he saw her, and two daughters: Lizbeth Phillips (Curt), and Lianna. He was such an amazing role model to his grandchildren; they grew up believing he had super powers. Trevor Comerford, Zachary Lawson, Sydney Maddux (Cameron), Emily Phillips (Preston), and Amanda Phillips all love their grandfather. He is also survived by siblings, Jerry Bailey (Wilma), Raymond Bailey, Mary Mitchell, and Annie Childress, as well as many other relatives and dear friends.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nursing staff who provided so much more than exceptional medical care. Thank you for your kindness and compassion, which provided tremendous comfort. We are deeply grateful for the nurses, CNAs, and support staff on the third floor IMU wing of Bristol Regional Medical Center for the welcoming and supportive environment that eased his transition during his final days. 

There will be no visitation and funeral service. The family may have a celebration of life to honor his memory sometime in the future. Ron believed that acts of kindness make the world a better place; in his memory, he would ask all who knew him to be kind to each other and perform an act of kindness for someone else. 

The family of Ron Keith Bailey is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.