Larry Wade Bailey of Sidney, New York (born December 27, 1948, in Haleyville Alabama) passed from this life on December 29, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, during which he retained his graciousness and kindness.

Larry is survived by his wife Mary, who loved him and cared for him tirelessly in his last days; his brother Jerry Bailey, and two siblings-in-law, Chuck Maples and Nancy Maples Dibbell; three children, Kathryn, Daniel, and Charles; four cherished grandchildren, Fiona, Willow, Sylvie (and their mother, Leah), and Gavin (and his mother, Stephanie). He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ella and Wayne Bailey; two brothers, Ronald and Neri; his devoted wife and mother of his three children, Sharon Maples Bailey, and her parents, Elizabeth and Charles Maples.

Larry's life was dedicated to a living faith in God. He believed that to follow Christ means to love all people unconditionally and without wavering, to stand up for goodness and justice even at great personal cost, and to meditate on things that are honorable and virtuous. He also loved football, classic rock, especially the Beatles, and had solid taste in books and movies, from Star Wars to Indiana Jones to Harry Potter and beyond. He helped to raise three children whom he encouraged to seek out their own successes and ideologies within the boundary of loving others as we would choose to be loved. He and Mom were our greatest and most optimistic supporters, even through endeavors of no great importance to themselves. For all of this, we are eternally grateful.

Larry also positively impacted thousands of lives through his time as a preacher in the Church of Christ (for more than 50 years) and a school bus driver (for more than 30 years). If a point on a map were illuminated for each person that remembers him for his friendship and help and encouragement, the map of his life would truly be blazing and bright. He especially loved helping children and seeing them grow up, and helping children develop a love of reading was one of the delights of his life. Larry also loved Christmas, and he knew how to keep it well all throughout the year. Though he would never have said this of himself, he humbly showed the face of Christ to all that crossed his path. His kindness and selflessness will not soon be forgotten by those who knew him and loved him in this life.

Calling hours will be held at CH Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY on Thursday January 15, 2026 from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please help another person or family in their time of need, or donate to your choice of charitable organization.