John Bailey, age 78, of Malvern passed from this life on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock, surrounded by his precious daughter and loved ones.  He was born Sept. 25, 1946, and settled in Hot Springs after returning from service in the Navy. He worked at Pirelli Cable and retired from West Fraser-Leola. John met the love of his life, Barbara Sparks, in 1968 at a church revival. Shortly afterward, he proposed on a date at Mel's Dairy Bar and then he married Barbara Sparks on Jan. 29, 1969.  He enjoyed fishing, working at his church, spending time with his grandkids, gardening and his babies.

John was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Jewell Austin, his wife Barbara Bailey, brother Joe Bailey, and sister Edith Bailey.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughter, Kelly Bailey; brothers Robert Bailey (Marie), Jeff Bailey (Tammy), Tommy Masters (Darla); sisters Benny Ruth Maine (Phillip) and Loretty Dugan (Dennis); as well as numerous friends and chosen family including "his girls": Kristi Finley, Jo Owings, Connie Neighbours, Kelly Kinnu, Kelly Draper Aunsbaugh, Sheridan Rood, and Terri Leming Davidson; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Regency Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 am, at the Regency Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Bobby George and Bro. Jason Roberts officiating. Burial to follow at Rockport Memorial.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandson Charlie Owings, Wayne Neighbours, Olivia Neighbors, Houston Neighbors, Jackson Neighbors, Wendell Draper, Gracie Finley, Haven Finley, his Calvary Baptist Church family, Ms. Barbara's Babies, Amy and Tanner Neighbors, David Cox, Michael Cox and Sarah Kinnu.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1267 Ford Dr., Malvern, AR 72104.

The family especially thanks the physicians and staff at UAMS ICU-Wing E, National Park Medical Center ICU and Baptist Hospital in Malvern for the extraordinary care they provided to John and to his loved ones.

Arrangements are made by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.