Rafel "Ray" Bailey, Jr.

Rafel Bailey Jr., 76, of Sweeny, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 26, 2022 after a long hard battle with Leukemia.

He leaves behind his three children Doug Bailey (wife Kalen), Darren Bailey (wife Christina), and Hollie Nail (husband Stuart); eight grandchildren, Brooke Bailey, Blayne Bailey, Brenna Bailey, Nic Nail, Garrett Nail, Ella Bailey, Easton Bailey, and Luke Nail. He also leaves behind his brother Aaron Bailey, sister Becky Guillott (husband John), brother Jerry Bailey (wife Sherri), sister Edith Hastings (husband Gary), and numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his father Rafel Bailey Sr., mother Ponnie Bailey, sister Virginia Burkett, and the love of his life Donna Wells Bailey.

Ray was born on October 6, 1946 in Dallas, Texas to the late Rafel Bailey Sr. and Ponnie Bailey. He grew up in Sweeny and graduated from Sweeny High School in 1965. He continued his education at the University of Houston and graduated with a BS in Education in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he started a career at Phillips 66 and worked in various roles for the next 31 years until his retirement in 2002. Beyond his career, he loved spending time with family and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He also enjoyed cooking, camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, and many other outdoor activities. He was also very active in his community and served in the Old Ocean Volunteer Fire Department, Sweeny Volunteer Fire Department, Sweeny Little League, Sweeny City Council, Phillips Lake and Gun Club, and Masonic Lodge.

Known by many as “Crazy Ray”, he will be remembered for his bigger than life personality. He will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts as we hold on to all of the wonderful memories he left us.

Services will be held at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas on Friday, December 30. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1 pm with service to follow at 2 pm.