Chief Sam Bailey Jr. age 54 of Rocky Top, TN was surrounded by all of his loved ones when the angels came to take him to enter the pearly gates to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, June 28, 2015. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, papaw, uncle, great uncle, friend and a walking testimony to all. He also cherished spending time with his family, and enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle with his wife, Regina. Chief Bailey was the fire chief of Rocky Top fire department for 13 years. He was a faithful, devoted Christian man to Laurel Branch Baptist Church in Briceville, TN. He also loved Gospel Bluegrass. Chief Bailey was the owner of Sambo's Music Store and enjoyed picking music with his picking buddies.
Chief Bailey was preceded in death by his Father: Sam Bailey Sr.; Step Father: Bonnell Sexton; Nephew: Larry “Cheech” Smith Jr; Uncles: Floyd Bailey and Doc Dodson; Aunts: Minnie Bailey, and Christine Dodson.
Chief Bailey is survived by the love of his life of 14 years, Regina Bailey of Rocky Top, TN; Mother: Shelby Jean (Long) Sexton of Caryville, TN; Sons, Billy Sharp and wife Dawn of Jacksboro, TN, Michael Sharp of Memphis, TN, Will Gallaher of Rocky Top, TN, Jamie Brewster and wife Donna of Rocky Top, TN; Daughters, Christina Waddell and husband Brian of Rocky Top, TN, Ashley Long and husband Jeff of Jacksboro, TN; Sisters, Pat Bridges and husband Paul of Caryville, TN, Rosa Bullock and husband Marvin of Caryville, TN; Step Brother, Terry Sexton of Boston, MD; Step Sister, Dorey of Boston, MD; Sister in law, Patty Humphrey of Powell, TN; Brother in law, Greg Moore and wife Wendy of Rocky Top, TN; Grandbabies, Brandon, Kristen and Shasta Sharp, Keely, Sydney, and Colton (Delmar) Long, Little Sam and Gavin Waddell; Nieces, Crystal Jobe and husband Chris, Briana, Katelynne, and Amie Bullock, Tonya Thepthongsay and husband Justin, Brooke Humphrey, Erin Hague and husband Paul, Casey Moore, Brittany Moore; Nephews: Travis Moore, Dakota, Aden and Aaron Bullock; Great Nieces, Courtney Jobe and Jadyn Moore; Great Nephews: Hunter and Holden Jobe, Fletcher Humphrey and Keagan Moore. Cousin whom he enjoyed joking around with, Robert Jones and wife Kathy.
Chief Bailey’s family will receive his friends on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Laurel Branch Baptist Church in Briceville, TN with his Celebration of Life immediately following at 8:00pm with Rev. Joey Cagley, Rev. Floyd Bailey Jr., and Rev. Jamie Brewster officiating. Chief Bailey’s interment will be Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00am at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top, TN. Jones Mortuary in Clinton, TN is in charge of all arrangements.