Roy "Coach" "Bull" Jackson Bailey

Mr. Roy Jackson Bailey, sometimes better known as Coach or Bull, age 85 of Mansfield and   formerly of Lithonia passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 while picking tomatoes.  He was born October 28, 1932 in Trussville, Alabama to Andrew Jackson and Flora Belle Melton Bailey who have preceded him in death.  Bull grew up in Trussville Alabama and played football at Trussville High School.  He continued his football career on a scholarship at Jacksonville State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While at Jacksonville State, Bull met Sandra Jean Taylor and the two were married November 24, 1955.  He lived his life with a true servant’s heart and during the last years of Mrs. Bailey’s life he was her constant caregiver.  Following his graduation from Jacksonville State, Bull entered the United States Army in 1956 where he played football and was Honorably Discharged in 1958.  He later continued his education and received his Master Degrees in Education and Counseling from West Georgia College.  Coach Bailey started his teaching, coaching, and administrative career at Lithonia High School in 1958 and worked there until becoming the Assistant Director of Transportation for the Dekalb County School System in 1977.  He retired from the school system in 1989.  Bull was an active member of the Georgia Coaches Association and attended the regular monthly meetings in Gwinnett County.  He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Social Circle.

Bull was preceded in death by his wife Sandra T. Bailey in 2015 and two sisters, Cecilia Taylor and Mary Hollis.  He is survived by his children, Mona and Chuck Roberts of Greensboro, Donna and Jack Moss of Between, and Allyson and Vince Joyner of Mansfield.  Lovingly known as Bebo, he is also survived by his grandchildren,  Shelley and Kiley Dillingham, Chad and Amanda Folds, Casey and Randolph Poynter, Charlie and Catharine Roberts, Shelbee and John Sorrell, Justen Joyner, Jake and Blair Joyner, and Stephanie Joyner, his great grandchildren Gracie, Riley, Grayson, Emma, Maren, Hayden, Jordan, Gavin, Jaxson, Rocko, Macy, Jase, Autumn, Micaiah, Rosemary and one more on the way.  Bull is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Doris and James King and his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Pam Bailey, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Butch and Marsha Taylor, Helen Taylor, Hoyt Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and close friends.

Funeral services for Coach Bailey will be held at 2 o’clock Friday, July 20, 2018 at The First Baptist Church of Social Circle with Reverend Mike Hardy, Dr. Jim Martin and Reverend Milton Wood officiating.  Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at the J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 and again from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 19, 2018.   Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Social Circle.  J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements.  A guest book may be signed on-line www.harwellfuneralhome.com.

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