Robert Bailey, Sr.

Robert Bailey, 81 of Port Neches passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born July 11, 1929 to James Walter Bailey Sr. and Margaret Helen Hitt. He was a lifelong resident of Groves and Port Neches. He was a 1948 graduate of Port Neches High School and attended Lamar College. He worked as a brick mason and in 1960 started his own business, Bailey Masonry. His company furnished brick, block and stonework for area schools, churches, commercial buildings and industrial work. He retired in 1983. His family business celebrated 50 years of operation in 2010. It is now owned and operated by his son and son-in-law. Robert was a lifetime member of International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers, National Masonry Association and a Member of Associated General Contractors of Jefferson County. As a two-time cancer survivor, he also participated in Relay for Life. Robert truly loved and enjoyed spending time at his farm near Woodville. He had a greenhouse full of delicious tomatoes and a lake full of fat catfish, which he shared with every visitor. Robert was a man who prided himself in hard work, which he displayed in creation of a beach at his camp as well his beautiful rose garden including Hybrid Tea Roses of which he always knew each species. He also enjoyed sharing his work with others, in fact every lady visitor always left with a rose from his garden. Robert also loved woodworking in his shop and would often be found building grandfather clocks, jewelry boxes and martin houses but of course found time to repair grandkids toys - they always knew they could count on Papa to fix it. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Margaret Wilson Bailey and children, Bob Bailey and his wife Nancy of Orangefield, and daughter, Verlene Buchanan and her husband Jeff also of Orangefield. He is also survived by grandchildren, Ty Bailey and fiancE Shannon McGuire, Brook Fontenot and husband Caleb, Lindsey Kyler and husband Marcus, Brandi Bailleaux Baker and husband Casey, Macy and Lori Bailleaux. He is survived by one great grandchild Maielle James Kyler. He is also survived by his sisters: Louise Jones, Janie Nicotre and husband Joe of Port Neches, Julia Evans, Dot Elkin of Groves, Betty Lou Saunders and husband James of Spurger, Debbie Fugate and husband W.H. of Houston. He is survived by brothers: Joe Bailey and wife Doris, Donald Bailey, Buddy Bailey and wife Linda of Groves, Ronnie Bailey of Beaumont, Paul Bailey and wife Raynell of Nederland. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Tommy, Johnny, Jack, and James Jr. Gathering of family and friends will be at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches with Visitation Sunday from 3-5PM, and funeral Monday at 2:00PM officiated by Rev. Peter Cammarano, Jr. Interment followed at Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas. The Family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Professional Home Health and Hospice for their help and support during his illness. Our appreciation goes to Reverend Peter Cammarano who has provided comfort during this journey. Our love and appreciation goes to Felicia Jones who has helped us tremendously. Memorial Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church at 1826 Nall in Port Neches, Texas.