Randy Joe Bailey, age 73, of Franklin Furnace, OH passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, mentorship, friendship and a deep love for family, community, sports and the outdoors. Randy was a 1971 graduate of Green High School in Franklin Furnace, OH. A dedicated professional throughout his life, Randy was a proud 53-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 575. He was respected for his strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to his trade.
He was also co-founder, co-owner and operator of Bumgardner Electric Contracting and owner of Bailey’s Convenient Mart, where he built lasting relationships with customers and community members alike. Having lived his entire life in the community he loved, Randy was deeply committed to giving back to the place that helped shape him. Whether through coaching youth sports, supporting local schools and organizations, mentoring young people or simply lending a helping hand to neighbors and friends, he took great pride in making his community a better place. His generosity, civic spirit, and dedication to helping others leave a lasting impact. From an early age, Randy embraced competition, teamwork and friendship.
In the basement of his parents’ home, he developed a lifelong love for the game of ping pong, spending countless hours competing in all night tournaments with family and friends. His passion for sports continued throughout his youth, culminating in his role as a member of the first varsity football team at Green High School. Those experiences helped shape the determination, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that would define him throughout his life. A devoted outdoorsman, Randy found his greatest joy in the field, hunting pheasants and turkeys alongside his beloved hunting brothers. He cherished every season, every hunt and every opportunity to watch his dogs do what they loved. The outdoors brought him peace and happiness through his life. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Randy loved playing sports and sharing that passion with others.
He dedicated countless hours to coaching young athletes in softball, baseball and football, helping shape not only successful teams but confident and capable young people. His influence reached far beyond the scoreboard, as he taught lessons about character, discipline, sportsmanship and perseverance. In recognition of his exceptional dedication to youth athletics and his impact on generations of young athletes, Randy was honored with the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award for exemplary contribution and service. The award reflected the tremendous respect he earned through years of selfless service to his community. He was also a devoted supporter of the Visually Impaired class at Green High School.
He took great pride in encouraging and supporting the students and staff, and his kindness and generosity left a last impression on all who knew him. When he wasn’t working, coaching, or enjoying the outdoors, Randy could often be found cheering on his beloved Cincinnati Reds and UK Wildcats men’s basketball. Whether following the Reds throughout baseball season or enthusiastically supporting the Wildcats, he remained a loyal fan throughout his life. Above all, Randy will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and genuine love for people.
He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. His life was defined by service to others, devotion to family, dedication to his community and willingness to help wherever he was needed. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through countless athletes he coached, students he encouraged, friends he made and family members he loved so dearly. “Some people leave footprints in the woods, others leave footprints on the hearts of everyone they meet. Randy did both.” Randy was preceded in death by his father, Arnold E. Bailey and only brother Ronald Gale Bailey.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Jean Bailey, wife, Linda Bailey and daughter, Johnna (Aaron) Ferrell, two sisters, Karen Bailey and Kathy (Ed) Russell all of Franklin Furnace. Three nieces, Michele Bailey Bower, Brandy Russell Jenkins and Bethany Russell. One nephew, Brock Russell. Two great nephews, Evan Bower and Brantley Russell. Three great nieces, Alexius Jenkins, Danika Jenkins, and Bailey Russell. He had many lifelong friends, hunting brothers and extended family whom he loved dearly and shared many stories about throughout the years.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, OH. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19 from 5pm – 8pm and Saturday, June 20 from 10am – 11am. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 20 beginning at 11am with Bro. Robert Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at Haverhill Cemetery. The family would love for you to honor Randy by wearing something Cincinnati Reds, UK, or wearing the color red or blue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to SOMC Hospice House in Portsmouth, OH.
