Roger Dean Bailey Sr., age 77 of Hickory, NC, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, at his home.
He was a son of the late John Horace and Elsie Fox Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lois Bartlett; his brothers: Kermit Bailey and Johnnie Ray Bailey; sister-in-law, Ora Mae Bailey; brother-in-law, C. Carl Woods Jr.; stepdaughter, Lisa Ward; and stepson, Dennis Ward.
Roger was born at home in Yancey County on August 5th, 1948. He grew up in Burnsville, NC and moved to Hickory in his late teen years. In his early years, he was self-employed as an auto body mechanic. He later became a CDL truck driver from which he retired. He loved all the animals he had through the years, especially all his beloved German shepherds – in particular, Niya and Jake (his protectors). He also loved horses, especially Doc. If you ever visited our dad, you would always find him sitting at the sliding glass door, watching Doc and the dogs roaming the pasture. This was truly his “happy place”. He also loved cars and NASCAR, Kyle Larson being his most recent favorite driver, and did not, for any reason, want to be disturbed during a race. He thoroughly enjoyed working in the yard, on his tractor, and hanging out at the garage with Roger Jr.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Shelby Woods of Raleigh, NC and brother, Danny Bailey (Teresa) of Coral Springs, FL. He is also survived by his children which include 3 sons: Joseph Bailey (Yvonne) and Roger Bailey Jr. (Yolanda), both of Hickory, NC, and Aaron Deyton of Old Fort, NC; daughter, Cheryl Arrowood (Daniel) of Murrells Inlet, SC; stepdaughter, Penny Starnes of Wilkesboro, NC; grandchildren: Nichole, Johnny, Jacob, Jennifer, Ashli, Carlos, Jessica, Trey, Weston, Savannah, Melody and Dustin; and great-grandchildren: Skylar, Lyla, Riley, Bentley, Naomi, Octavia and Landon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14th, at Zion Baptist Church in Green Mountain, NC. Brother Dennis Carswell of McDowell Church in Morganton, NC and Rev. Shane Gunter of Zion Baptist Church in Green Mountain, NC will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
Dad, as you transition from earth to heaven, know that you were and still are loved and will be missed.
Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
