Thomas Washington Bailey
Class of 1964
 

PORTSMOUTH - The Bailey-Sasser-Smith-Speidell family lost one of its pillars on April 12, 2010 when ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) claimed the life of Thomas Washington Bailey III. Husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, Bailey was born June 6, 1945 in Portsmouth, the son of Thomas W. Bailey, Ann Bailey Garver and her husband Paul B. Garver. He graduated from Cradock High School and served four years in the U.S. Navy. Starting as a foundry worker, Bailey worked his way up to vice president of engineering for General Foam Plastics Corp. in Norfolk - the position he held for most of his career. Tom was an avid fisherman and enjoyed a good time with his family and friends. His unique sense of humor charmed every one he met. A member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Churchland, Tom also belonged to SPOT, "Stock Pickers of Tidewater." Tom loved his work, his friends, and most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife Linda and children, Thomas Walter Bailey (Lisa Quay), Dawn Marie Bailey- Grimes and Brian DeEsch. He is also survived by his brother, Teddy Bailey (Mary) and sisters, Shirley Bailey Sasser (Eric), Barbara Bailey Smith (Phil) and Phyllis Speidell (Walt). He leaves five grandchildren, Zac Bailey, Grayson W. Bailey, Kacy Quay Bailey, Madison Grimes and Jackson Grimes. He is also survived by Marie Ballard, the mother of Thomas Bailey and Dawn Bailey Grimes, and his brother-in- law, Nick Messina (Karen). He leaves his nieces and nephews to also carry on his legacy, Larry Bailey Jr. (Lori), Bonnie Bailey Hartsell (George), Jodie Shields, Ryan Smith (Alisa), Kristen Dellenger (Chris), Phillip Smith, and Jennifer Smith (Robert Jones), Paul Speidell (Shannon), Lance Speidell (Lori), Summer Buxbaum (Andrew), Stacey Betts (Brandon), Allison Stasac (Bill) and Steven Messina. A host of grandnieces and -nephews have all shared his warmth and affection. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to The ALS Association, the Virginia/Maryland/DC Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 - designated to Tom's Team, the team of family and friends raising funds to further ALS research. Donations may also go to the VA Medical Center in care of voluntary service No. 135, 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA, 23667 or St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3330 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703. A celebration of Tom's life will be held Saturday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3330 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23702. Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, is handling the arrangements. Tom's spirit and love will continue to bless the family he made strong. Condolences may be offered to the family at www. snellingsfuneralhome.com.