Darold Rayburn Bailey Sr., age 81, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 4, 2023. He was born on September 24, 1941, to the late Bert Allen Bailey and Elizabeth Smith Bailey, in Haldeman, Kentucky.

Known to most as Ray, he was most known for his loving and giving heart. These attributes were most notably directed toward his family, whom he loved unconditionally and without waiver. Ray's life was impacted at an early age by Mr. Paul C. Overstreet, a neighbor who afforded him the opportunity to attend Morehead State University. This act of love and generosity would change Ray's life forever, as it instilled every attribute and characteristic that he exhibited until his passing. Ray has spent his whole life sharing and instilling these traits in the lives of his family and loved ones.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister; Louise B. Stevens; two grandsons, Clifton Ray Wallace and Zachary Dylan Bailey; and one nephew, James Allen Stevens.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Norma Jean Withrow Bailey; one son, Darold (Kristi) Rayburn Bailey Jr.; one daughter, Kimberly (Joe) Jean Davis; nine grandchildren, Leslie (Jamie) Sherlin, Kacie (EJ) Smith, Erin (Nathan) Lands, Allison Davis, Nathan (Danielle) Davis, Chelsea Bailey, Alexis Bailey, Darold "Trey" Rayburn Bailey III, and  Emma Rose Bailey; fifteen great-grandchildren, Lillianna, Abbigale, Emelia, Jase, Will, Eldon, Amos, Bailey, Brenham, Noah, Brecken, Emery, Hudson, Charlie, and Ruby Moon; one sister, Deloris Thomas; a host of loved nieces and nephews; and a special Shih-Tzu sidekick Scamp.

Married on December 24, 1961, Ray expressed to everyone he came in contact with that he was the lucky one when it came to his marriage to Jean Withrow. Nothing compared to the love, dedication, and support that they shared with each other. This love would transcend all things, and be their compass through the 61 years of marriage. Christmas gatherings will always have a special meaning in the hearts of the whole family.

Through the years Ray wore many different hats, from positions he held in his professional capacity, to his personal involvement in many different community organizations, with Jaycees being one of the most prominent. One of his favorite jobs was working at The Citizens Bank right out of college. He retired from the State of Kentucky as a Driver's License Hearing Officer.

Ray's legacy will live on through the lives of those who loved him. He lived by the philosophy of "paying it forward". If you are afforded the opportunity to give, if you are given the chance to help, if you are given the option to lend a hand and help your fellow man, give, help, and lend a hand.

Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church, 315 Battson Avenue, Morehead, KY 40351 with Father Arturo Molina officiating.

Pallbearers: Joe Davis, Nathan Davis, Trey Bailey, Nathan Lands, E. J. Smith, and Jamie Sherlin.

Inurnment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a children's charity of your choice would "pay it forward" in memory of Darold Rayburn Bailey Sr.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com