Mr. Charles Richard “Rick” Bailey, a lifelong resident of the Flat Hollow Community passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the age of 70. Rick was born on June 26, 1955, the youngest of 4 children to the late Charles W. and Ruth Mae (Carroll) Bailey. He was a 1973 graduate of LaFollette High School, a US Army Veteran, having served in Germany, and faithfully attended Well Springs Methodist Church with his mother until her passing. Rick was a passionate historian who enjoyed wildlife watching and entertaining the “summer lake people”. He was also an accomplished cook who enjoyed making fudge to share with his many friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by nephew, Brian Gibson.
He is survived by his sisters, Carol Jessie and husband, George of Mosheim, TN, and Beckie Gibson and husband, Danny of Speedwell; brother, Steve Bailey and wife, Susie of Piedmont, SC; nephew, Charles Jessie and wife, Michelle; niece, Kaye Gibson; great-nieces, Jessica Gilbert and husband, Logan, and Courtney Schumann and husband, Carson; special friends who were of great help to Rick, Linda Wright, Micah Wright, and the Dan Kilgore family; and numerous other family members, friends, former classmates, and neighbors.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to: VVA Chapter 1148 Wreaths, c/o Vivian Loudy, 102 Eveningside Park, LaFollette, TN 37766. This contribution will go toward Wreaths Across America for Campbell County, TN. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Charles Richard “Rick” Bailey.
