Holly Springs Funeral Home

Lewis Edward Bailey
Lewis Edward Bailey was born May 31, 1943, in Waterford, Mississippi, where he lived until he was 12 years old. At 12, his family moved to beautiful land on Highway 7 South closer to Holly Springs. He grew up surrounded by love from his grandparents, his mother Irene, father Moody, brothers Ralph, Emmett, and Moody, and sisters Bettie Gail and Lorene. When he’d been a young boy at the Waterford school, he had met a pretty little girl named Billie Sewell whose family had relocated from Memphis after buying a lake and church camp near Waterford. However, Miss Billie soon started attending school in the big city of Holly Springs. When the Baileys moved from Waterford, Lewis was reunited with Billie at Holly Springs school. Years later, on April 16, 1965, Lewis and Billie were married at First Baptist Church, Holly Springs. Lewis became an apprentice printer at The South Reporter and later a journeymen printer at the Memphis Pressimeter/ Commercial Appeal. He worked at the paper in Memphis for 11 years. When the couple found out they were going to be blessed with a little one, they named Stephanie Gail, they moved back to Holly Springs and settled on land between both of their families. For years, Mr. Lewis farmed cotton and then later started Bailey Turf Farm. He was active in Holly Springs, First Baptist Church, and Marshall Academy. Mr. Lewis was full of pride when his little girl graduated from Ole Miss and later Ole Miss Law. Although Mr. Lewis had many happy years, his greatest joy came when he became a grandfather. He loved his precious granddaughters, Eliza and Esme with all his heart. Mr. Lewis had a beautiful long life, although not long enough for those who loved him. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He is walking and driving again now in Heaven and hopefully getting to check on lots of cows in the beautiful green pastures of Heaven. The family takes comfort in knowing he is enjoying a big reunion with his grandparents, parents, in-laws, aunts and uncles, cousins, old friends, a beautiful niece, and a great-niece and great-nephew who left our earthly presence way too soon. The family knows he was particularly overjoyed to reunite with his brother Ralph. The celebration in Heaven right now can be felt in the hearts of all those left behind. Services for Mr. Lewis will be held in the Chapel of the Holly Springs Funera Home on Friday, November 14, 2025, at noon. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 am and continue until service time. Burial will be in Hill Crest Cemetery.

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below. Your message will be published after review.


Name: Message:

Name: Barbara Knighton Date: 11/12/2025 8:01:20 PM Message: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Lewis. He was a wonderful person. Prayers for the family

Name: Ethel Ash Date: 11/13/2025 7:23:56 AM Message: I'm the Daughter of the late Wade Yeager he and Mr Bailey were good friends.Daddy really enjoyed having him at many dinners and things we had.My prayers go out to his family.

Name: Becky Cupp Date: 11/14/2025 5:03:04 PM Message: Lewis and I were in the same grade together for years and were always very good friends.He was a great guy and will be solely missed by his family and many friends. May God bless all of you .Becky Cupp

Name: Harry and Shirley Norman Date: 11/17/2025 4:38:59 AM Message: We are sorry about the loss of your loved one, but take comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus and loved ones. Lewis and Billie were good friends and in same Sunday School Class at Church when we lived in Holly Springs. Our love and prayers go out to all of you.

Name: Paula Yarbrough Noble Date: 12/6/2025 12:34:31 PM Message: Bette Gail, when looking for information on our classmate, Kathy, saw that your brother had passed. I do remember from the South Reporter when he had to put up with Garland, Ben and George and I trying to help get the newspaper out weekly but probably more in the way. He was always kind and patient, and I am sure that Ben and George would join me on that memory. Garland passed away in May, 2025 so I join you in grief finding comfort in memories, especialy the funny ones. Condolences to your family.