Bai D. Le, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born in Than-Phu, Vietnam, and is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Kim T. Le. Together, they built a legacy of love and perseverance through faith and courage.

Bai Le's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family and his Catholic faith. He married Kim T. Le on December 20, 1966, in Vinh Long, Vietnam. In April of 1975, amidst the turmoil of the Fall of Saigon, Bai made the courageous decision to flee his homeland with his wife and their five children to protect them from the ravages of war and political upheaval. With nothing but hope and resilience, the Le family embarked on a perilous journey, boarding a US ship that took them to safety in Guam. They were later flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, arriving on June 18, 1975.

In August of that year, the family settled in Pensacola, Florida, where they were welcomed and sponsored by St. John Catholic Church in Warrington. Under the compassionate guidance of Monsignor Gallagher and Pastor Father Tugwell, they began to rebuild their lives, rooted in faith and gratitude. Through hard work, perseverance, and his strong devotion, Bai ensured that his family thrived and embraced the opportunities of a new life in America.

Bai Le is remembered as a man of quiet strength and deep spirituality. He sacrificed everything to ensure his family's freedom, education, and prosperity, always placing their well-being above all else. His legacy lives on in his six children: Thao Mangan (Tim), Trang Bui (Quyen), Khuong Le (Anh), Thinh Le (Katie), Vinh Le, and Chi Le (Andrew), and in his nine cherished grandchildren: Sarah Bui, Garrison Mangan, Michael Bui, Marina Mangan, Nicholas Mangan, Emma Bui, Zoe Le, Ysabella Le, and Cathryn Le.

Bai's journey from Vietnam to the United States is a testament to his indomitable spirit and steadfast faith. He faced the trials of exile and the loss of his homeland with grace and courage, finding solace in his faith and the love of his family. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

A funeral mass in Bai's honor will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Pensacola, FL, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Pensacola, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Pensacola, FL in his memory.

May he rest in eternal peace.