Jerry Richard Bailey

Jerry Richard Bailey, 59, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Jerry was born September 9, 1961, in Yuba City, California. He was the son of John R. Bailey and Barbara Ann BaileyHart. On August 24, 1985, he married the love of his life, Donna Rae Kellett, and spent the next 35 years together raising their family.

Jerry had so many hobbies that kept him busy whether it was occupying his time around the shop putting a piece or two back into the puzzle that was his first love, his 1967 Camaro or endlessly maintaining his beautiful home and property. He always had a project to work on.

Jerry was an auto mechanic for more than 20 years in California before moving to Arkansas in 2002. He was the Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor at Pathfinder, Inc. for 12 years in Jacksonville before going to ARDOT in 2016 as an Asset Specialist in the Public Transportation Section.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, John R. Bailey. He is survived by his wife, Donna Bailey; his mother, Barbara Bailey-hart and husband Tommy Hart; his son, Ryan Bailey and wife Jenni Bailey; and daughter, Kristen Bailey; sister, Beverly Bailey-potter and husband Larry Potter. Jerry was the most loved Papa to his five grandchildren, Cassidy, Rylee, Caidun, Avery and Blake; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family, and the most wonderful friends anyone could ever ask for.

Family was the most important thing to Jerry. He had a larger-than-life personality and will leave an unfillable void in the hearts of so many that knew and loved him.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2021, at Smith-westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be noon Saturday, January 23, 2021, at New Life Church, 107 Commercial Street in Cabot, with burial in Salem Cemetery.

State of Arkansas COVID-19 directives: Face coverings, social distancing. Arrangements by Smith-westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares. com

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