Hosea Bailey Obituary

Hosea Bailey

January 1, 1944 -

February 12, 2026

Hosea Bailey, 82, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee.

Hosea was born on January 1, 1944, in Yancey County, North Carolina, the sixth son of the late Velmer and Servilla Harris Bailey. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Okie, Willard, Earl, Eugene, and Isaiah Bailey.

Growing up in Lost Cove, North Carolina, as a young man, Hosea moved to the Lamar Community in 1958, where he became a strong part of his community. Hosea graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1962, where he played basketball and was a part of the FFA Club. While not in school, he helped with farming work throughout the community, particularly with Ben Ervin, who became a father figure in his life.

In 1966, Hosea was drafted into the US Army where he served in the Infantry B 5th Bn 32nd Artillery at Fort Riley, Kansas, until he was discharged in 1968. He loved to be a part of the American Bowling Congress under the Junction City – Fort Riley Bowling Association during this time, where he served as Team Captain.

After returning to Jonesborough, Hosea worked for WETB radio station for several years, where he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Huffine Bailey, in 1969. The couple was married on May 27, 1989, at Antioch Baptist Church in Johnson City.

Hosea's greatest life mission was to be a father and a husband, which he excelled at beyond any measure. They were blessed with two sons, Chad Fred and Brad Velmer. Everything Hosea did in life after their birth revolved around his family.

In 2005, Hosea retired as a highway inspector from the Tennessee Department of Transportation after thirty years of service.

He will be remembered for his love of daylilies and flowers of all kinds, which he planted all around his property. In addition, to these flowers, Hosea planted tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggie plants each year, giving away more than the family consumed.

In his last years, the best of his days was spent as Pa to his grandchildren, Blaine Tyler and Patsy Kate, who were the light of his world.

Those who survive, Hosea, include his wife, Linda Kay Huffine Bailey; sons, Chad Fred Bailey and Brad Velmer Bailey, daughter-in-law, whom he loved as a daughter, Ashleigh Elaine Cline Bailey; two grandchildren, Blaine Tyler and Patsy Kate Bailey; sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Richard Knode; sister-in-law, Nellie Lynn Bailey; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be at 7:00 PM, Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Tackett officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, prior to the service.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 16, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Anyone who would like to go in procession to the cemetery is asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor by 10:30 AM.

Pallbearers will be Chad Bailey, Brad Bailey, Marty Keys, Billy Boone, BJ McKay, and Alan Cline.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Herb Peterson, Harry Miller, David Keys, Keith Ervin, Richard Knode, Bobby Cline, and Danny Mack Keys.

Condolences may be sent to the Bailey family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821