BENTON — Charles Edward Bailey, Jr.,

64, was born on October 6, 1957, Nashville, Tenn and departed his earthly life in Benton, Ark., on December 31, 2021.

Charles always considered himself to be a lucky person. This recognition first came as he grew up an “Air Force Brat” providing many interesting boyhood homes around the US and in Europe. One of his favorite experiences was his youth in England and the opportunity to visit his mother’s home in Munich, Germany where he got to meet his Oma and Opa, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins.

Charles’ father, “Chuck”, was an accomplished singer/songwriter musician and the talent was certainly passed on to his son. Charles was born with music in his soul. He played in several local bands, most notably Beowulf and Spoonfed. As a teen in England he and his best friends walked the campus with school books in one hand and a guitar case in the other. Music was his passion…he let it be known that he was a huge Elvis fan and was heavily influenced by the “king’s” rock and roll style.

His parents, mostly by way of example, taught him many important lessons growing up that would serve him well throughout his life. He supported his family as a self employed heating/air/ refrigeration contractor and was known by his customers (and also too often to his friends and family as well) as the guy who could fix anything. He always took the time to lend that helping hand because he truly cared for the people in his life and dearly loved his family. He had an unmatched archive of photos taken in furtherance of that love. He was especially devoted to his mother since the death of his father in 2003.

He loved riding his motorcycle and, likewise, the camaraderie of hunting and fishing with friends. He was known to those close to him, and to those who just had occasion to make his acquaintance, as a person with an exceptionally good heart.

He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Robin, and his beloved three daughters, Olivia Ann, Erin Elizabeth “Liza” and Lorelei Star. To him, they were “my girls”, and he was very proud of them.

He is also survived by his mother, Irmgard Hagn Bailey, sisters Ester Madison, Beverly Bailey Moore (Robert) and Anna Breyel, along with a number of nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He leaves also his lifelong best friend, Robby Erwin, and his beloved fat cat “Jelly”.

The family wishes that memorial donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and, on Charles behalf, that the unvaccinated get the vaccine.

And as he would often say, “Elvis has left the building”…

(A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date)

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.