Howard Silas Bailey

Howard Silas Bailey, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025 at Brooken Hill Health & Rehabilitation in Fort Smith, AR. Howard was born in Marshall, North Carolina where he lived until 1948 when his family moved to Asheville, N.C. He was a 1960 graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School and he played baseball, football, and basketball.

He loved the outdoors. After heart surgery in 1996, he began hiking the Appalachian Trail. He loved to tell the story of his encounter with bears in his camp one night. He loved working with horses and enjoyed attending the Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville, TN. Howard traveled across the country as an installation technician for AT&T. He retired in 1990 in Phoenix, AZ.

He was a member of Rena Road Church of Christ in Van Buren, AR and at one time served as a deacon under the eldership of Graymere church of Christ in Columbia, TN. There, he worked with the Senior program, driving the bus for senior trips. He was always willing to share the gospel with others.

He was the son of the late Curtis and Mildia (Lowe) Bailey. The youngest of 15 children, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He is survived by 4 sisters.

Howard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice Lee Bailey; 2 daughters, Jennifer K Yturralde, (Roy) of Denver, CO; and Jacqueline K McGhee (Pat) of Montezuma, GA. He has 4 grandchildren, Branden, Blain, Angelica and Adrian. Also, 1 great granddaughter, Aurora.

The family will hold an informal memorial at a later date.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the Hospices of Agency on Aging in Fort Smith, AR for their excellent care of our loved one.

Lewis Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Howard Silas Bailey.

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