Rev. Edwin Earl "Ed" Bailey passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born to Samuel Frederick and Eunice Rebecca Bailey on July 16, 1935, in Meridian, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Carolyn Royal Bailey; his brother, Dr. Samuel Claiborne Bailey (DDS); his sister, Mrs. Joan Allen of Meridian, Mississippi; his father and mother-in-law, Raymond Paul and Louise Royal of Greensboro, North Carolina; and his brother and sister-in-law, Walker and Frances Martin of Burlington, North Carolina.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Sherry Bailey of Atlanta, Georgia, a brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed graduated from Mississippi College in 1956 and went on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1959. He married Carolyn Royal of Greensboro on June 24, 1961. Ed was ordained into Gospel ministry on June 3, 1963, and served in various roles, including pastor, associate pastor, and bi-vocational minister, in Mississippi, North Carolina, and Georgia.

In addition to his ministry, he worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Georgia from 1969 to 1999.

Following his wishes, his body has been cremated, and there are currently no services scheduled.

The family requests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity in place of flowers by visiting www.habitat.org.

Friends and family are invited to send condolence messages to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to handle the arrangements and support the family during this difficult time.