Earl W. Bailey

Earl W. Bailey Jr, 95, of Afton, NY, passed away Sunday November 13th, 2022 in Binghamton, NY on World Kindness Day. He was born April 24, 1927, son of the late Earl D. and Beatrice (Wambold) Bailey in Morris, NY. Earl (aka. Junior, Dad, Grandpa) was a hard working man who valued family and easily made friends throughout his life.

Earl traveled for work, with stints in Pennsylvania and Germany, working with his hands and growing his business. He eventually settled down and started a family in Afton, NY, becoming a staple at Henry’s diner and helping many people around town with various projects. He was a handsome and witty man who saw (and eventually embraced) many changes (life and technology) in his life. While not one to always express his emotions verbally, he truly appreciated anyone who spent time with him (especially family), playing games, reminiscing or catching up. He was thankful he was given a second chance at life and family after facing the unthinkable, losing his wife, Ethel Bailey, and son, Timothy Bailey, Sr at young ages. He was blessed to witness from closeup the growth of his grandkids and loved the life and energy they brought to his house. As they grew into mature men and women, he was proud of their choice of life partners and family life and would relay this information to others. He opened his house and his heart to all of his grandchildren, raising them as if they were his own children as one of the most incredible father figures you could ask for.

He is survived by his four grandsons Keegan (Ilene) Bailey, Corey (Candice) Bailey, Tim (Paige) Bailey, and Devyn Shaffer, his two granddaughters Stacy (Jayson) Zorda and Christina (Jamie) Tefft, and his daughter-in-law Kathleen (Norman) Shaffer. He is also survived by his dear sister Iona Jones, and many nieces and nephews. He left a lasting legacy through his 16 grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many family friends who also fondly called him “grandpa”.

Anyone who knew him well, talked with him, or was with him for any period of time knew that Earl was one of the kindest, loving men you’ll ever meet. It has been tough, the days leading up to and after his passing. There’s no doubt that our loss here is the Lord’s gain. He has finally been called home to be with Jesus.

On Sunday, November 20th at 1:00 PM (until 4:00 PM), the family of Earl Bailey Jr. invites you to celebrate his life with stories, laughter, and tears at the Main Street Social at 174 Main Street, Afton, NY 13730 (next door to the Main Street Grill and Bakery).

Earlier in the day, an intimate family and close friends-only graveside ceremony for Grandpa at Eastside Cemetery, E Main St. in Afton, NY will take place.

Online condolences may be made at: www.omaddenfh.com. Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville. A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of the flowers and in honor of Earl’s generous and giving spirit, contributions to the Chenango United Way (https://www.chenangouw.org/) are requested.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl W. Bailey, please visit our floral store.