Staff Sergeant Joseph James Allen Bailey, 46, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, went to be with our Lord and Creator on February 21, 2026. He was born on January 30, 1980, to his parents, Marilyn (Morrow) Bailey and James Bailey.
Joe, affectionately known as “Joey” by his family and childhood friends, grew up in Ironton, Ohio. He was a 1998 graduate of Rock Hill High School. Throughout his youth, he formed many lasting friendships–some he considered brothers–and was deeply loved by his large family. In 1995, he welcomed his daughter, Summer Renea Madison Bailey, into the world.
In 2001, Joe enlisted as an active-duty member of the United States Army as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC/CBRN) Specialist. His first duty station was at Camp Casey in South Korea, serving with Alpha Battery 5-5 Air Defense Artillery. He later moved to the 2-7 Infantry Division at Fort Stewart in Georgia. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq where his company was assigned to Tikrit for twelve months. Upon return to the States, he received orders with “The Regulators” of 4-3 Aviation at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. His company later deployed for 15 months to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Joe continued his military career as an Army Recruiter in Lewisburg, West Virginia. His final duty station was at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. SSG Bailey was honorably medically discharged after thirteen years of service due to a diabetes diagnosis.
Joe met his wife, Amy (Wood), in 2002, and they were married in 2004 at the Hinesville County Courthouse in Georgia. Over the years, they welcomed two beautiful children into the world: their first son, Elijah James, in 2009, and their baby girl, Ann Marie, in 2012. Both were born in Lewisburg, West Virginia. In 2021, he also became a grandfather, welcoming Dodge Frye. They grew together building a loving home, life, and family. While living in Lewisburg, West Virginia, he began working as an insurance agent aspirant with State Farm, a position he held for many years, which allowed the family to move closer to home in Wheelersburg, Ohio.
In 2017, Joe began his career with the United States Postal Service, starting as a part-time mail carrier. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced to the position of Postmaster. Throughout his career, he served and supported numerous post offices in the region, including Ashland, Kentucky; Catlettsburg, Kentucky; Ironton, Ohio; and Jackson, Ohio.
Joe also enjoyed watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and College Game Day, listening to true crime podcasts while driving to and from work, good food, and good music. He was never afraid to admit that he loved things like Harry Potter or The Greatest Showman. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with the people he loved and being at peace in his home.
Joseph Bailey is preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn (Morrow) Bailey and grandparents, Edna and Joe Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Amy Bailey; his 3 children, Summer, Elijah, and Ann Bailey; and his grandson, Dodge Frye. He is also survived by his father, James Bailey; his sister, Ashley Bailey (Kelsie Clay); his nephews, Nick Sites, Jaxson Bailey, and his niece, Ella Bailey; his mother-in-law, Theresa Arden (Redgie); father-in-law, Mel Wood (Sally); and sister-in-law, Becky Wood.
Joe loved God and his family fiercely and always placed them above all else in life. He treasured his friends. He worked diligently throughout his life. In all that he did, he demonstrated compassion, always putting his whole heart into his work and relationships. He brought joy, laughter, and comfort to those around him. He was a calm presence and a voice of reason.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 01, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at D.W Swick & Son Funeral and Cremation Services in Wheelersburg, Ohio. Funeral Service will be Monday, March 02, 2026, beginning at 11:30AM, Cornerstone Nazarene Church in Wheelersburg with Pastor Greg Mason officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM prior to services at the church. Interment to follow at Old Wheelersburg Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at DWSwickFuneralHome.com
