Lewis "JR" Bailey passed away peacefully in the early hours of January 5, 2024 at the age of 82. He grew up a resident of Dunbar, WV, until building his safe haven on Woodrums Lane in Charleston.

JR was born on November 19, 1941 to Buelah and Lewis 'LP' Bailey. He graduated from Dunbar High School with the class of 1962 and was a member of Dunbar First Baptist Church where he worshiped God and was a deacon for years. After high school, JR joined the Army and became a Green Beret by February of 1963. After his time in the service, he connected with the Iron Workers Local Union, 301, where he dedicated his life and met some of his best friends.

In 2002, JR lost his sight and much of his hearing due to a car accident endured in previous years. Despite this, JR still carried on life as normal. He was proud to lead a toy drive each Christmas with Terry Burhans and Channel 8 News. After the flood of 2015, he collected over 3,000 stuffed animals to give out to children who were impacted. "Stranger" was not a word in his vocabulary; he held genuine compassion for everyone he encountered and anyone in need.

JR enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, riding horses, and gardening. He was very proud of his Hot Rod days and his red '68 Chevy, and working on antique cars was one of his passions. JR made the most delicious homemade ice cream and loved laying in the hammock under his beautiful tree.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wanda; his brother, Lowell; his beloved horse, Chessie; and his loyal dog, String.

JR is survived by his children, Sean and Wendy; his grandchildren, Tucker and Molly; his brother, Arby; nephews, Steven and Jeffrey; nieces, Deena and Jill; his 21 chickens; and a host of special friends he considered family including Sandy, Jodi, and Bob James.

In his last years, JR's most important mission was telling people about Jesus. He loved the Lord, lived by his word, and wanted all of his friends and family to have strong faith in God.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.  JR will be laid to rest in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Arrangement are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net