Billy Gene Bailey, 85, passed away on January 02, 2019 at North Mississippi Medical Center -Hospice, in Tupelo. Visitation will be Saturday, January 05, 2019 from 10:30-12:00pm at First Christian Church (815 McCrary Rd, Columbus, MS) a Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00pm with Bro Jerry Mitchell and Bro Larry Ferguson officiating. Lowndes Funeral Home and Crematory of Columbus is entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Bailey was born March 16, 1933 in Meridian, MS, to the late William Henderson and Bobbie Etta Davidson Bailey. He was very proud of his 50+ year career with Caterpillar/Thompson Machine, where he worked primarily as a Parts Manager. He was a longtime member and served as a Deacon at First Christian Church. He loved the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed bowling, was a talented woodworker and a proud supporter of his beloved MS State Bull-DAWGS. Known by his family as the "Best Man in the Whole World" he loved his family beyond compare. He was a wonderful example of honesty and always led the way for his family, not just in words, but in action. Always teaching others to do the right thing, even if no one was watching. Known by some as "Papaw" and others as "Grandpaw" he will be truly missed by a host of loving family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two daughters: Lisa Ingold and Dena Young; and one granddaughter Tiffany Vaughn.

Mr. Bailey is survived by his wife, of nearly 50 years, Patricia Bailey; sons- Faron Gene (Kellie) Bailey of Amory, MS, Wendell (Dorothy) Bailey of St. Lois, MO, and Brian Black of Columbus, daughters -Crystal Ann Vaughn of Smithville, MS, and Wendy Guyton of Ethelsville, AL; 10 grandchildren and a Host of Great Grandchildren as well as Great Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to First Christian Church, 815 McCrary Road, Columbus, MS, 39702.