Thomas “Tom” Lynn Bailey, Sr.

“The truest measure of a man is how tall he stands in the eyes of his family.”

If we take that quote to heart, then we know that Tom Bailey was a giant among men. Not only was he loved and adored by his family, but friends, acquaintances and strangers were all affected by the man who never stood taller than when was reaching out a helping hand to those in need.

Thomas Lynn Bailey, Sr., 81, of Piedmont, entered into his eternal rest Monday, February 26, 2024, surrounded by loving family members.

Tom Bailey was known by many names throughout his life; son, soldier, businessman, husband, and father, and he was known affectionately as Papa, Papa Tom, or Little Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all adored him. To many others that he came into contact with on his journey, he was simply called “friend.”

He was born on April 27, 1942, in Newton Falls, Ohio, but grew up in Daytona, Florida, before moving to Greenville, South Carolina. In true Tom Bailey fashioned, he served his country by enlisting in the United States Army and served from 1961-63 as a Specialist Four of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 3rd Armored Division (Spearhead or Third Herd). He received the Army Commendation Medal for his service.

He opened his first Mr. Mattress store in 1971, a family-run business that still thrives in our local Upstate communities. But a mere listing of clubs and events and hobbies doesn’t do the life well lived justice. Why? Because Tom Bailey never did anything halfway or at less than full throttle.

He loved motorcycles and was a successful Motocross racer in his younger years. His love for motorcycles continued his entire life, and friends and family often saw him riding down the road, his black and then white hair blowing in the wind, with the kind of smile on his face that only those that are truly at peace with themselves can attain.

One of the earliest members of Marathon Church in Powdersville, he was a founding member of the Biker Ministry at Marathon. Many of his biker friends wanted him to ride his motorcycle to eat, and Tom convinced them to ride their motorcycles to church and then he would go eat afterward. That was the quintessential Tom Bailey, turning something, he loved into a ministry for others. He was also President of the Harley Owners Group, and a precious family heirloom is a picture of him astride one his motocross bikes, flying high in the air. For Tom Bailey, nothing less than flying high would do.

He was also an avid hunter, and his autumn days were spent in the quiet of the woods, away from the day-to-day dealings of running a business. A conservationist at heart, he thrilled in taking his friends and family into his happy place and teaching them how to not only hunt, but to do it the right way and find joy in the approach.

Those conversationist leanings led him to Palmetto Pride, South Carolina’s anti-litter organization, where he served as Chairman of the board from 2006-23. Somehow, in what little spare time he had, he also enjoyed collecting coins.

Even though his personal and professional life were filled with accomplishments, the true story of his life was told in his final days. Countless people reached out via social media, telephone, and dropped by the house to tell stories of how Tom Bailey helped them. That story was repeated over and over, even by people the family barely knew, who all shared an anecdote of his heart for ministry to those who needed help.

As his family gathered around him in love in his final earthly hours, stories were told and re-told of family vacations and trips, from Disney to the mansion in the Smokies. At the center of each of the stories was the man who will forever be remembered as a giant among men, Tom Bailey. And as he transitioned from this world to the next, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him, we can only imagine that our beloved Nanny was the first one to greet him at the pearly gates, elbowing Saint Peter aside to grab her Tom and deliver a motherly kiss.

For his family, this is not goodbye or farewell to the unquestioned patriarch of our family. We merely say, “See you later.”

He is survived by the love of his life, Judy Webb Bailey of Piedmont, and four children, Andrea Turner (Robert) of Greenville, Lori Bailey of Greenville, Isaac Stokes of Piedmont, and Tommy Bailey (Danielle) of Piedmont. He is also survived and forever loved by his grandchildren, Nikki Hood, Corey Turner, Kayci Turner, Trace Turner, Bailey Turner, Thomas Bailey, Auburn Bailey, Ada Mae Stokes, Jacob Stokes, and Joshua Stokes, and great-grandchildren, Koty, Owen, Brantley, RJ, Piper, Robbie, Jack, Bo, Eli, Easton, and Olivia.

He was predeceased by a son, Kade Stokes.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 29, at 3:00 p.m., at Marathon Church, 315 Roe Road Greenville, SC 29611. The service will follow at 5:00 p.m., with the Reverend Eddie Cox officiating.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the livestream by clicking on the “WATCH LIVESTREAM” button located on the main obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate at https://hospiceoftheupstate.com/, or Marathon Church at https://www.marathonchurch.org/, or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of “Tom” with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.