Thomas Warren Bailey

Thomas “T.W.” Warren Bailey of Starkville, and formerly of Batesville, passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 on Aug. 1, 2019. He was born April 5, 1926 to the late Morton Turner Bailey and Sammie Dowdle Bailey in Charleston, and grew up in Grenada.

He served during WW11 as a B24 Waist Gunner for the Army. Following his service, he attended Northwest Junior College in Senatobia, and then began his career as an Agent Operator for the Illinois Central Railroad working in Batesville, Hollandale, Grenada, West Point, and Starkville.

He also served as the General Secretary- Treasurer of the Transportation Communications International Union, President of Batesville Civitan Club, and a Youth Sunday School Teacher. He was one of several men who worked tirelessly to help bring the vision of Kirk Academy in Grenada to fruition.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father who greatly enjoyed sponsoring and attending special events involving his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He and his wife retired in Batesville and later relocated to Starkville in 2005 to be near their daughters. They were members of First Baptist Church.

Thomas was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy “Dott” Tuttle Bailey, his brother James Terrell Bailey of Grenada, sisters Rosetta Bloodworth and Dorothy Bailey of Grenada, and Jeffie Filgas of Fredericksburg, Va..

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Olivia (Ted) Loftis and Donna (Alvis) Deford of Starkville. He is also survived by five grandchildren and their families: Bailey (Adrienne) Anderson, Davis, Warren and Claire of Starkville: Neal (Sonya) Anderson, Neely and Taylor of Cleveland:
Kevin (Hope) Anderson and Carol Grace of Mathiston; Meredith (Aaron) Adams, Audrey and Austin of Missoula, Mont.; and Ben (Sandra) Loftis, Tessa and Carson of Nolensville, Tenn.

A graveside memorial service, led by grandson Bailey Anderson, was held Saturday, Aug. 3, at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville. Special tributes were also given by his daughters, and beloved family member, Rev. Brownie Tohill of New Albany.