Robert J. Bailey

   Robert (Bob) Bailey, 72 of Morristown, TN formerly of Harlan passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN following a long illness.
   Robert was born September 1, 1950 in Putney, KY to the late Rev. Ernest and Beatrice Shell Bailey. Bob always valued working and had a great work ethic. He began working at a young age. He delivered newspapers, mowed grass and did odd jobs in order to earn money. At age 15, he decided to go to Chicago, IL to work. He got a job in a factory by telling them he was 18. When the factory found out he wasn't 18 they had to let him go. He would laugh when he shared his story and say "That was okay...I just went across the street and got another job". During his time in Chicago, he worked for International Paper, Transilwrap, Turtle Wax, Scientific Metal, Continental Coffee and Illinois Bell Telephone.
   Bob returned to Harlan County, KY and began working at Highsplint for Seagroves Coal which eventually became Eastover, and then Manalapan. He worked there 28 years, mostly operating the tipple. He then worked at Cyprus Minerals until he became disabled, and had to retire in 1999. He was devastated, because he was always working, for himself or helping someone else.
   Besides his parents he is preceded in death by, 2 sisters, Lena Faye Bailey and Ruby Aline Nolan; 1 brother, Jack Clark Bailey; nephew, "Little Ernest" North; 5 brothers-in-law, Ed Morris, Dwight Herald, Marvin, Preston, and Bill Ball; 2 sisters-in-law, Virginia Fuson and Marcella Smith; as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law; Logan and Nannie Ball.
   He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara Ball Bailey; 2 brothers, Lonnie (Marti) Bailey of Dandridge, TN and Paul (Audrey) Bailey of Pineville, KY; 3 sisters, Lila      Morris of Cookeville, TN,  Jill (Willie) Williams of Tiskilwa, IL, and Sue Herald of Cookeville, TN; an aunt, Mollie Shell of Manchester, KY; 3 brothers-in-law, Melvin Nolan, Joe (Cheryle) Ball and Bobby Ball both of Dayton, OH; sisters-in-law, Joy Bailey of Eolia, KY, Doshie Ball and Geneva Ball both of Dayton, OH; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. He also leaves his "little buddies", Thomas and Alexander Angelos, and Jackson Woods.
   Graveside services will be held Friday, July 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Resthaven Cemetery Chapel in Keith, KY. with Rev. Jeff Baker officiating. Burial will then follow in Resthaven Cemetery.
   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to one's favorite charity in memory of Bob.
   Please feel free to leave a condolence or memory at www.aljfh.com
   Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Robert J. Bailey.