Hugh Paxton Bailey

RALEIGH- It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the death of Hugh Paxton Bailey on September 17, 2015 at the age of 92. Early Thursday morning, “Papa” slipped away in his sleep at Hillside Rest Home in Wake Forest, NC. Born in Wake County, he was the youngest of 3 children born to the late Zua and Ralph Bailey. Hugh was a WWII veteran and recipient of two bronze stars, having proudly served along with General Patton in the United States Army. A lifelong farmer and trusted friend and neighbor, he worked from sun up to sun down, demonstrating a strong work ethic. He was an inspiration to his family, friends and community. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday at Ebenezer United Methodist Church with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church’s Faith Center following the burial. He was preceded in death by his wife, Metta Doris Creech and first wife, Recca Weathersby; brother, Cecil Bailey and sister, Iona Bailey Walton and step-daughter, Vickie Hobbs. Survivors include daughters, Recca Nelson (Fred) of Wake Forest, Kaye Bailey, Joan Bailey and Gail Bailey, all of Raleigh and step-daughter, Linda Blanton (Larry) of Rochester; grandchildren, Ralph Redd, Reggie Redd (Elaine), Russ Redd (Catherine), Tammy Hicks (Dan), Paxton Hicks (Lesa), Rexana Neyland Price (Brady), Nona Stell, Bailey Pate, Katie Pate, Johnny Dozier, Christina Hobbs and Michael Hobbs, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 6020 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Hillside Nursing and Rehab in Wake Forest for the care Hugh received during his last months. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner.