Franklin D. "Red" Bailey

Franklin D. "Red" Bailey, Sr., 76, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died Wednesday, March 23, 2011, following a period of declining health. He was born in Rutherford County on December 22, 1934 and was a son of the late William McKinley Bailey and Minnie Willis Bailey.Red retired from Henredon Furniture with over 39 years of service. He enjoyed mowing and taking care of his lawn; and he loved helping other people and his neighbors.Surviving are his daughters, JoAnn Johnson and husband, John of High Point, NC and Jackie Tessnair and husband, Gary of Spindale, NC; a brother, William Bailey of Drexel; sisters, Mollie Murphy of Morganton and Minnie Hutchins of Rutherfordton, NC; special loving companion of 8 years, Mildred Sheets of Morganton; 9 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by a son, Frank Bailey, Jr.; a brother, Edward Bailey; and sisters, Mary Goforth and Rose Spicer.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2011 at River Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Shew officiating. At other times the family will receive friends at the home, 204 Hogan Street. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Memorial Gifts, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting with arrangements.