Walter Harwell Bailey Jr.

Walter Harwell Bailey Jr., a lifelong resident of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the age of 96. Born in Laurel to the late Walter H. Bailey Sr. and Helen Carter Bailey, Walter lived a life rich in family, creativity, and craftsmanship. Walter is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Patricia T. Bailey. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Marcia Holmes, Linda Mayer, Kathleen Pearson (Mark), Tina Lutz-Kirk (John), Alex Touchstone (Denise), and Bradley Touchstone (Michelle). His memory will live on through his grandchildren: Mary Lee Holmes, Perry Pfister, Kieran Pearson, Bailey Lutz, Callie Lutz, Jack Touchstone, Brynn Touchstone, and Matthew Touchstone; and his great-grandchild, Caelyn Bailey Murphy. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, John and Donald. As a Veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy following World War II and his naval service took him on ships that toured much of world in the post-WWII era. After his time in the service, Walter attended the University of Alabama where he received a B.A. in Engineering and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He had a lifelong love of Alabama football and enjoyed the anticipation of each fall season. Walter's true passion lay in his craftsmanship, a skill refined from his early days working in the family business, Bailey Lumber Company. As a young man, he immersed himself in the timber industry, which has long been the backbone of Jones County's economy. This early experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for wood and its potential. An avid builder and woodworking artisan, Walter became renowned throughout Laurel for the many homes he constructed and the bespoke furniture pieces he lovingly created. His profound understanding of wood types and his ability to highlight their innate beauty were unmatched. Even in his twilight years, Walter's creative spirit burned bright; he continued to sketch and draw new ideas until his final days, always finding innovative ways to showcase the natural resources that had been so central to his life and community. While a man of few words, Walter loved fiercely and laughed heartily. His quiet strength and warm humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Services to honor and celebrate Walter's life will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Laurel, Mississippi, as follows: • Visitation: 9:30 AM in the St. John's Episcopal Church Chapel • Service: 10:30 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church • A private family graveside interment will follow the service In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Walter Bailey Memorial Fund at St. John's Episcopal Church in Laurel, Mississippi. To sign the online guest book, visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com

Walter Harwell Bailey Jr.

January 24, 1928 - August 22, 2024