Clay Bailey

Clay Bailey, age 99, of the Cane River Community, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Dan Bailey and Foey Higgins Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers: Donald Bailey, Clyde Bailey, Crate Bailey; a sister, Bertha Bailey Wheeler; and step-granddaughter, Christina Cooper.

Clay was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran, SSG, Company B106 ENGR C Battalion. He served in the Japan Occupation and in the Philippines LIB during a large majority of his term. He had many stories and was truly a devoted veteran. Following his military career, Clay was employed for 34 years at the Shipyard in Newport News, VA. Upon his retirement, he returned to Burnsville where he enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting.

Surviving is his loving wife of 34 years, Shirley Cooper Pittman Bailey, of the home; a step-daughter, Wilma Jean Johnson (Frank) of Marion; step-sons: Gary Cooper (Wanda) of Green Mountain and Randy Pittman (Teresa) of Burnsville; three grandsons, two granddaughters, five great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews and a host of good friends.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 5th at Cane River Baptist Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. His pastor, Matt Mills, will officiate the service which will be open to family and friends. The family will receive friends and loved ones from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Military Rites will be conducted by Sgt. E.L. Randolph, Chapter #57 DAV.

Heartfelt thanks are given by his family to all the staff of Medi-Home Hospice in Newland for the exceptional care provided for Clay at his home. Memorials may be made to: Medi-Home Hospice at P.O. Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Bailey family.

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