Wayne Antonio Bailey, Sr. was born on September 22, 1935 to Andrew Jackson and Louise Powell Bailey in Pensacola, FL. Wayne was the sixth child in a family of nine children and the youngest of three sons. Wayne departed this life on Monday, February 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving son Wayne Jr and wife Cheri of Panama City, FL, daughter Deborah Bailey Buxton and husband Paul of Rhode Island.

Wayne grew up in Beulah, FL on 20 acres 12 miles out in the country with his large loving family and many horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs and cattle. He loved all things outdoors and was an excellent horseman, woodsman and marksman. He was a fierce adventurer and survived horse falls, tree falls, a car accident with his older brother Ben, and a famous homemade arrow wound (unintentional) by his sister Barbara. He attended Beulah Elementary School and Tate Middle and Senior High School in Cantonment, FL.

Wayne was a proud member of the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Hornet and traveled internationally during his tour. Wayne resided in many states and worked at many jobs from office machine repair to long haul truck driving, eventually returning to Pensacola, Orlando and finally Beulah, FL where he resided on Bridlewood Lane until his death.

Wayne loved family and friend visits and gatherings and could tell big tales and stories from his past in the manner of his Grandpa Powell. He had many friends and in later years attended Beulah Baptist Church with his friend and relative Paul Busbee and his friend Allen Stoner. He also loved to sing and listen to country music and sang "You Are My Sunshine" to his daughter Deb during his last day.

Wayne's loving wife Patricia Ann McLeod Bailey predeceased him in 2001 and Wayne will be buried beside her and among many family members at Bayview Memorial Park.

Wayne is preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Bailey Croce; parents, Andrew Jackson Bailey and Louise Powell Bailey; brother, Grover Jackson Bailey, Sr.; and sister, Jan Bailey Busbee. He is also preceded by many loving grandparents, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, in laws and friends who passed before.

Wayne is survived by his loving daughters, Debbie Bailey Buxton and son-in-law, Paul and Kim Bailey Samos and son-in-law Bart; his loving son and best friend, Wayne Antonio Bailey Jr. daughter-in-law Cheri. Surviving grandchildren are James Henry Bailey, James A. Bailey, Brooke Bailey, Melissa Croce, Bart and Erica Marie Samos; great-grandchildren, Jake Bailey, Valentina and Domenico DeLuca, Jordan and Mya Silva.

Wayne's loving McLeod family James (Eddie), Mark, Tommy, and Maria also mourn his passing.

Wayne is survived by his sisters and brothers, Bea Rivers, Alma Guedry, Ben (June) Bailey, Barbara Bailey, Myrtle Bailey and Linda (Bob) Snow. Nieces and nephews surviving are Terry Busbee Sr, Sharon Sims, Grover Bailey, Jr., Brenda Seymour, Charlene Leinback, Kathleen Lovan, Allen Bailey, Andy Bailey, Larry Hipsh Jr, Dale Hipsh, and Christopher Snow.

Pallbearers will be Johnathan Brandow, Eddie McLeod, Johnathan McLeod, Bobby Nigh, Bryce Sellers and Allen Stoner.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 until a 2:30pm Funeral Service on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Wayne's special nephew Grover Bailey Jr and his wife, Pam Bailey and son Jackson Bailey will conduct the service. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hadji Shrine Temple, 800 W. Nine Mile Rd., Pensacola, FL 32534.