Bailey, Samuel Hopkins, Jr., Maj

BAILEY, HOP, JR. - (Samuel Hopkins Bailey, Jr.) - age 87 passed away at home early Friday morning, October 15th, 2010, with wife and son by his side. Native of Knoxville. Graduated from Central High School and the University of Tennessee. Member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

He proudly served in the U.S. 9th Air Corp throughout WWII as Aircraft Commander, piloting Douglas C-47s and C-S4s for the 442nd Troop Carrier Command in Europe, attaining the rank of captain, and flying as Flight Leader in the first combat assault wave just after midnight, June 6, 1944, over Normandy, in the 30Sth Squadron, Command Group 1. Mr. Bailey continued serving the U.S. Air Force in the Reserves during the Berlin Air Lift and Korean War.

In later years, he owned several personal aircraft and enjoyed an affinity for aviation for many decades. In June 2010, despite failing health, he traveled to England and France to re-visit some of his old bases and to climb into the perfectly restored cockpit of a D-Day C-47. General Eisenhower stated that the war could not have been won without the venerable C-47 aircraft and the specially trained crews who flew them. Mr. Bailey was awarded numerous decorations, honors, and medals for serving his country.

Bypassing a career with American Airlines in 1946, Mr. Bailey joined his father's real estate firm, Hop Bailey Co., where he worked until very recently, never retiring. He was a Realtor, a second generation MAI (real estate appraiser) and CRE (Counselor of Real Estate). He was a past president of the Knoxville Association of Realtors, twice president of the state chapter of appraisers, served on national boards of appraisers and the national board of the Counselors of Real Estate. During his career he was also past chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, past chairman of the Knox County Industrial Development Board, past Vice- Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, and past Director of the former Park National Bank and former First American National Bank of Knoxville. He was a member and past president of Cherokee Country Club, where he enjoyed golf for many years and developed numerous lasting friendships. He was a member and past Deacon and Elder of Second Presbyterian Church, where in 1955 he served on the building committee responsible for the move from downtown to Kingston Pike. With his love of family, vocation, friends, and church, Mr. Bailey mentored a plethora of people in everything he touched.

Preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth K. Bailey and Hop Bailey, Sr., brother Douglas Bailey, sister Betsy Bailey Sharp, and nephew Douglas Bailey, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Fay B. Bailey; son, J. Mack Bailey and wife, Margaret of Knoxville; son, Hop Bailey, III and wife, Mary of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Janet B. Huffman and husband, Dr. Bill Huffman of Brentwood, TN; step-son, Wayne Underwood and wife, Dee Dee of Knoxville. Nephews: Steve Bailey and wife, Ann; Bailey Sharp and wife, Jane; nieces: Elizabeth Sharp Henderson and husband, Woody, and Leigh Bailey, all of Knoxville. Eight grandchildren: Blair Bailey, Alan Huffman, Mandie Huffman Nimitz, Robbie Bailey, Katie Bailey, Rob Underwood, Ryan Underwood and Kevin Underwood; and four great-grandchildren. Also, Mrs. Juanita Kirkland, who was his devoted office manager and friend for nearly 60 years. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony, with Full Military Honors.

A celebration of life will be Monday, October 18th, 3:00 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Brian Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends in Hudson Hall of the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church (2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919) or the University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care (1520 Cherokee Trail, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920). Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.