Russell E. Bailey

Russell E. Bailey, age 75, of Sophia, WV passed away from his earthly home to be with the Lord, with his wife Connie and children by his side on August 18, 2025.

Russell  was born on December 9, 1949, and was the son  of  the late Avender Bailey and Freda May Meadows Bailey. Russell grew up in Hotchkiss with five brothers. He was a 1969 graduate of Sophia High  School. Russell  served in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Forrestal CVA 59 Aircraft Carrier, during his military service. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, his career in the coal mines began, working at Itmann, Maben, Console Energy, and in Buchannon, Virginia. After 32 years of service in the coal industry, he became disabled, which  required him to retire.

Russell was a devoted Christian, and loved  the Lord with all of his heart. He was very sick for several years, but God blessed him very much. Russell attended Coal City Freewill  Baptist Church at Coal City, WV.  He was a Raleigh County native, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and ginseng hunting. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, and attending family gatherings.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by  brothers, Donald Lee Bailey, Allen Acord and John Acord; sister-in-law Tami Bailey.

Those survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 26 years, Connie Hayworth Bailey; children, Todd  Bailey and wife Heather of White Oak, Erin Calloway and husband Jeremy of Pittsburgh, PA, Susan Doss and husband Mark of Sophia, and David Mills and  wife Lesli of Sophia; grandchildren, Isaac Smith, Hailey Bailey, Iris Calloway, Sophia Calloway, Derek Tanner, Skylar "Worm" Martin, Kaylea "K.K." Martin, Titan Dunbar, Landyn Withrow, Parker Withrow, and Christien "Turtle" Mills. Two brothers, Bo Bailey of Salisbury, NC, and Timmy Acord and wife Angel of Greensboro, NC;. A brother-in-law,  Ronald Hayworth and wife Debby of Peterstown; Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Amos E. Quesenberry Funeral Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, WV on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Charlie Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, WV. Friends may visit with  the family from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Mark Doss, Derek Tanner, Steve Mills, Donnie Coleman,  Steve Pierce, and Kenny Murdock. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Ramsey, David Cook and Basil  Keaton.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.