Dr. John Lee Bailey's Obituary
Big Rapids - John Lee Bailey, DC, passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2021, into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
John was born and raised in Wyoming, MI where he attended Godwin Public Schools, graduating class of 1971. He attended Northern Michigan University and Aquinas College before going on to complete his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in 1976. Within that same year he settled his family in Mecosta County, Michigan where he opened his private practice, Bailey Chiropractic Offices, in Big Rapids. He served the surrounding communities for 43 years before retiring in 2019.
John was very active in the community, a member of the Chamber of Commerce as well as many committees. He supported fundraising events and Sportsman Banquets of all kinds and was known as a generous prize donor. He was passionate about sponsoring various local youth athletic teams, even more so when his grandchildren became old enough to participate. Also, an active sportsman, he enjoyed tennis, bowling and softball, but his main hobbies were hunting, fishing, sporting clays and golfing. The friendships he made during these years were very important to him and he received as much as he gave. He was a loyal (to a fault) fan of the Detroit Tigers and U of M football.
His family was the joy of his life, and he gave his love and wisdom to his children and then his grandchildren in his typical quiet but generous nature. Because we are not a large family, we made it a priority to gather together for all holidays and birthdays, making each one special.
John is survived by his wife, Cindy (Erb); daughters, Angela (Darin) Hollandsworth and Lisa (Colby) Bettis; son John Lee Bailey, Jr; grandchildren, Aidan, Avelina and Caitlyn Hollandsworth, Bodie, Jackson and Clara Bettis; mother, Evelyn Bailey; sister Fran Bailey (Jim Tobias); sister-in-law, Kathy (Richard) Grigas; nephews Jim (Sonja) Scott and Tim (Angela) Scott; niece, Karie (Matt) Uhl; great nieces and nephews, Audrey, Grace, Charlie, Sam, and Grady. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Bailey, brother-in-law James Scott, father-in-law Clifford Erb, mother-in-law Esther Erb, sister-in-law Karen Afman and her husband Bob Afman.
A Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. John's family will greet friends from 10a.m.-12p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to: Ducks Unlimited (DU Memorial & Honor Gifts) @ ducks.org, Compassion International @ compassion.com, or Ferris Athletics @ ferrisstatebulldogs.com. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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