Ernest Jerry Bailey, 78, of Odessa, Texas went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 21, 2016, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.

Jerry was born in Gorman, Texas to John Thomas and Evelyn Bailey in 1937 and moved to Odessa in 1946. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1957 and attended Odessa College in 1958. He worked for the Ector County Parks and Recreation Department and received a Certificate of Recognition in 1981. He became disabled in 1991.

He was a lifelong resident of Odessa and married Patsy Davis in 1961 and was a father of four children and a father figure to others. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grand and great grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with friends over a cup of coffee. Ernest loved playing dominos, bingo, watching wrestling, telling jokes and singing songs. He could put a smile on anyone's face that he met and was a joy to be around. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff at Seabury Nursing Center in Odessa for the special care they gave him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Evelyn Bailey. He is survived by four children: son, Kenneth Bailey; daughter, Marcia Bailey; son, Jared Bailey and wife, Deborah; and son, John Bailey; five grandchildren: Rodney Miller, Steven Miller, John Bailey, Kimberly Bills and Josh Bailey; six great grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Marlyn Bailey; sister, Judy Bailey Hudson; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside funeral services were held on Friday, March 25, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in Victor Cemetery.