Richard Bailey was born July 28, 1924 in Smithfield, VA to parents, Vermont and Emmett Bailey (both deceased).  He was the youngest of three children.  Richard had a  sister named Rhoda and a brother named "Pete" (both deceased).

Richard moved to New York City as an infant.  He grew up in the Bronx, attended public schools there, and   graduated from Morris High School.  In 1943, during World War II,   Richard was drafted into the Army, and he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Richard had three children:  Richard A. Bailey, Vernette B. Bailey, and Kevin M. Bailey (deceased).  He was married to Edna Bailey (deceased 2014) for over 60 years.

Richard and Edna bought a house in St. Albans (Queens) and lived there for over 25 years.  He was very handy in doing home repairs, and used his carpentry skills to renovate his home as well as to help renovate neighbors' homes.   Richard, who was known as "Dickie" to family and friends, was gregarious.  He enjoyed entertaining, and often invited family and friends to his home for  barbecues and celebrations.

Richard worked for the New York City Transit Authority for 29 years.  Over the years, he had enrolled in many job-related classes, for which he  received Certificates of Outstanding Performance.  When Richard retired from the Transit Authority, he was the Signals Department Head of the Bronx Division.  Richard was responsible for the administration of 275 employees and for planning,  managing, and maintaining a safe Signal Train Control System.

Upon retiring, Richard built a house in New Smyrna Beach (NSB), FL, where he has resided since 1979.  In NSB, Richard started a new business, Community Improvement and Development Corp., Inc.  This business specialized in the  acquisition, rehabilitation, and development of real estate for resale to low income families.  Richard was pleased when his mother,  sister Rhoda, and brother Pete bought houses in NSB.  He helped build his sister's house.

Richard enrolled at Daytona Beach Community College to study air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration, additional knowledge and skills he needed for his business.  He was an honor student and received an Associate of Science (AS) degree in 1982.

Richard continued hosting barbecues and celebrations at his home in NSB.  He also loved to travel, and drove to sites throughout the U. S. and Canada.  Richard often went on cruises to the Caribbean.  He also traveled to faraway places, including the Panama Canal, France, Italy, England, and Jerusalem.

For many years, Richard has been an active member of the Allen Chapel AME Church in NSB.  At Allen Chapel, he was a member of the Board of Trustees, of the all-male choir, and of the Men's Club, where Richard received a Man of the Year Award.  In addition, Richard and others from Allen Chapel founded the Boy Scouts Troop and Pack 486, which was the first Troop on the Westside.

Richard has served the community as a volunteer and as a leading member of many organizations, including:  Treasurer, Volusia County Chamber of Commerce, Daytona Beach; Participant in Mini Internship Program, County Medical   Society, NSB; Deputy Registrar, Supervisor of  Elections Volusia County; Member,  American Legion Post 17 NSB; Member, Board of Directors, First Union Bank of FL; Treasurer, Southeast Volusia County Democratic Club.

Richard has received recognition and commendations for his exemplary service to the community, including:  Allen Chapel AME Church NSB Certificate of Outstanding Service as President of NSB Branch of NAACP; AARP Above and Beyond Certificate for Special Efforts and Excellent Performance as a District Coordinator; Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Volusia Hospital District's Recognition for Extraordinary Service to the Citizens of Volusia County and to the Board of Commissioners.

Richard leaves behind to mourn his loss and to cherish his memory:  his son and daughter, Richard and Vernette; his niece, Marcia C. Bailey; his seven grandchildren:  Bernette Bailey Marsh, Richard A Bailey, Jr., Gerard A. Bailey, Belinda Bailey Jones, Lisa R. Bailey, Kevina Bailey Edwards, Melissa L. Bailey; 22 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and many devoted family and friends.