Willie Harrison Bailey, Jr.

OBITUARY Willie Harrison Bailey, Jr., entered this world on April 3, 1975, as the first-born son to Willie and Antoinette Bailey in Atlanta, GA. He was a man of many names, such as “Bailo” and “Harrison,” but beneath these names was the same humble and loving man who touched so many of us with his humor, kindness, generosity, and love. He was a son, brother, husband, and father who left us too soon on January 17, 2025, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all of us. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION Born in Atlanta, GA, he spent his pre-college years in the Atlanta and Lithonia areas with his parents and his younger brother Darryl. He attended Lithonia High School in Lithonia, GA and played as a defensive back on the varsity football team (#64). After graduating from Lithonia in 1993, he left Georgia to attend Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN where he played as a proud Cumberland Patriot linebacker and defensive end (#46). While at Cumberland, he made several lifelong friends who became like brothers to him: Walter Banks (“Banks”), Reginald Gibson (“Gip”), Chad Harvey (“Big Chad”), and Steve McClain (“Boat”). He graduated in 1997 from Cumberland with dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice—making him the first person in the Bailey family to graduate from college. CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS After graduating from Cumberland, Harrison returned to Atlanta and served for a brief period of time as a Dekalb County police officer. He did not stay long with the police force as entrepreneurship was his calling, so he left the police force to start a corporate relocations company called Phoenix Relocations. After more than 10 years of managing and physically working with Phoenix Relocations alongside his Uncle Ed, he realized that it was far easier work using his mind instead of his back. Thus, he enrolled in college to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kennesaw State University and worked with a few different companies thereafter utilizing his engineering degree. FAMILY LIFE On July 7, 2007, Harrison married Bonita Reynolds at Emory Conference Center in Atlanta. A couple of years after marriage, they had Madison Lauren in 2009, followed by son, Harrison Grant, in 2014. He enjoyed watching football, was known for his skills on the grill, occasional golf, and was always ready to take a trip to anywhere there was a beach. LEGACY AND REMEMBRANCE As we mourn the loss of Willie Harrison Bailey, Jr., we also celebrate the remarkable life he led. His legacy is one of fun, laughter, good times, and above all else-love. He leaves behind a family that includes his wife, Bonita; children, Madison and Grant; loving parents, Willie and Antoinette; stepmother, Clara; brother, Darryl; stepsister, Makia Hopkins; sisters-in-law, Jessica Bailey, Bridgette Reynolds, Bianka Reynolds, and Britnee Reynolds; he also leaves his aunts, Deborah Bailey, Earnestine “Tina” Bailey, Carolette “Carla” Bailey, Annie Horne (Daniel), and Jennifer Williams (Kerry); uncles, George Bailey, Jr., Samuel Bailey, Sr., Dexter Bailey, Sr., Young T. Hughley, Jr., Robert Hughley (Avis), Edwin Hughley (Brenda), and William Hughley; nieces, Nadia Reynolds, Nariah Reynolds, and Lincoln Bailey; nephew, Richard Hopkins; and a host of cousins, Cumberland brothers, and all of you. In this time of grief, let us remember his warmth, kindness, and fun-loving spirit. Let us find solace in the memories we shared with Harrison and the knowledge that his love will forever remain in our hearts. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, 11:00 am at Second Mount Vernon Baptist Church 230 Stovall Street SE Atlanta, GA. 30316. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation held at Second Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, January 31st, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. All are welcome to join the repast at Lang Carson Recreation Center in Atlanta, GA, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, where guests can share memories and find solace in the community. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. SOUTH DEKALB CHAPEL (404)241-5656. In recalling Willie's life, may we hold dear the memories of joy, laughter, and love he shared with us. He will be deeply missed, yet forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tributes

Willie Harrison Bailey, Jr.

April 3, 1975 - January 17, 2025