Basil C. Bailey

Basil C. Bailey, 77, of Gallipolis, Ohio won his long and courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease and dementia on Sunday, August 9, 2026 when he left this world and entered into eternity. Basil passed away peacefully at Abbyshire Place, surrounded by the love of his family and those who meant so much to him.

Basil was born on February 20, 1949 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. He was the son of the late J. Ray and Leah Laws Bailey. He graduated from Cane River High School in 1967. Eventually, he “outran the law” all the way to Gallipolis, Ohio, where he made his home and began a long and successful career as a union insulator. Basil was a member of Local 80 for 52 years. He took pride in his work and in the many friendships and memories he made throughout the years.

Basil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marva K. Dalton Bailey, whom he married on May 6, 1988; his children Basil C. “Base” (Jennifer) Bailey, Jr. of Crown City, Ohio, William V. “Bill” (Mara) Bailey of Bidwell, Ohio, Deborah (Bryan) Moore of Kokomo, Indiana, and Kevin D. (Crystal) Turley of Kingsland, Georgia; grandchildren, Carson Bailey, McKenzie Bailey, Will Bailey, Kayla Cohen, Emily Turley, and Hannah Turley; brothers, Isaac R. Bailey of Green Mountain, North Carolina and Tim M. Bailey of Gallipolis, Ohio; and nieces, Donna Stevens, Kathy Clark, and Lynn Banks as well as his nephew Jimmy Lee Duke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three infant sisters and a brother Teddy Joe Bailey.

Basil was a man who loved deeply and lived life in his own way. He loved the mountains, he loved his family, and he never met a good story he didn’t enjoy telling. But if there was one thing that truly had his heart, it was cars. His passion for automobiles was a lifelong love affair. Chevrolet cars especially Corvettes were his favorite and drag racing was his #1 passion. Whether he was restoring an old car, talking about cars, walking around a car show, or spending the day at a NASCAR race watching Dale Earnhardt, Basil was happiest when he was surrounded by anything with four wheels and a motor. His knowledge and enthusiasm for cars is something his family will always remember.

Above all else, Basil loved his family. His family was his greatest source of pride, and the memories they made together will live on in their hearts for generations to come. Basil and Marva shared so many interest and hobbies that they were, quite literally, always together. Whether they were taking road trips, going on vacation, attending races, or simply cruising around town in one of their cars, Basil was happiest when he was beside Marva. He cherished every moment he was able to spend with his children and especially his grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart. His caregivers, Brandi and Mia, became much more than caregivers- they became family. Basil looked forward to the time he spent with them and was grateful for the companionship and care they gave.

Basil had a personality all his own. He was strong-willed, hardworking, independent, and never afraid to speak his mind. He could make you laugh, tell you a story you had heard a hundred times, and probably tell you one more time just for good measure. Although Parkinson’s and dementia took away so much from Basil in his final years, they could never take away the life he lived, the memories he created, or the love he gave. His family will remember him not for the illness that eventually slowed him down, but for the man he was—a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, storyteller, and lifelong car enthusiast.

Basil’s journey on this earth has come to an end, but his story does not. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved him dearly, and a legacy that will continue through the generations who carry his name. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

“The race has been run. The checkered flag has fallen. And now, Basil has crossed the finish line into eternity.”

The funeral service for Basil will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Hood officiating. Friends may call prior to the service on Sunday from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. His burial will be in Bailey-Hill Cemetery in Burnsville, North Carolina with graveside services at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Parkinson’s Research, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 and or to St. Jude’s Foundation.