Obituary of George Hamilton Bailes

In the early morning hour of November 3rd, 2022, beloved Dad, Husband, Grandpa, Brother, friend and spare-parts salesman-extraordinaire, George Hamilton Bailes Jr., passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Dad was blessed with a long, full life; and we give thanks to the good Lord for our time with him. Dad was a larger-than-life character. Born on May 3rd, 1934, in Whitmire, South Carolina, Dad embodied the spirit of resilience and tenacity. From an early age, Dad made his own way into the world, depending on no one but himself. At age 16, Dad enlisted in the Army and fought in the Korean War. When his tour was over, Dad started his own business selling his infamous diesel engine parts. Dad loved his profession though thick and thin, and only old age and blindness could force his retirement. His unrivaled moxie was truly a spectacle to behold. Aside from Dad’s jet-setting life, there was another side to the man that was more well known: the family man. Dad’s greatest accomplishment by far is his family, who he lived and breathed for. Dad leaves behind his wife of 45 years: Marilou Bailes, daughters Rebecca Desai (Bailes) Loumar Ellis, Granddaughters: Stephanie Bailes and Jasmine Desai, daughter-in-law: Nolema Bailes, four great-grandchildren: Luke, Arthur, Elizabeth and Elliot, sister: Priscilla Poole and brother: Jerry Fain. Dad is proceeded in death by his parents: George Hamilton Bailes Sr. and Birdie Joyce French, as well as his two sons: James David Bailes and George Hamilton Bailes III. Undoubtedly, Heaven has been made a whole lot louder now that Dad and Mama D have reunited, and we can bet they are pushing each other’s buttons as we speak. The last few years had been hard on Dad, his sharp mind trapped in an aging body that was breaking down, and while his loss will always be a huge hole in our lives and hearts, we take comfort in knowing he lived a long life and was totally satisfied with all he had done. So, in that same spirit, we will carry on. Ultimately, we can only trust in God’s Master Plan, with the hope and belief that someday we will be reunited – that one far off day when Dad is standing at the gate - and we walk towards eternity forever. Until then, we will cherish every memory and hold Dad safe in our hearts. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of George Hamilton Bailes Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.