Ray Bailey

Donald Ray Bailey, 89, of Darlington, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on March 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 from 2:00 to 3:00pm at First Original Free Will Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 3:00pm. With burial to follow in Grove Hill Cemetery.

Born on February 12, 1937, in Darlington, SC, he was the son of the late Chalmers and Alma Bailey. He was a faithful member of First Original Free Will Baptist Church of Darlington, where he served as both a Trustee and Head Usher. A devoted Christian, he loved the Lord deeply and cherished his family above all. Known for his strong work ethic, he spent many years working at the Darlington Veneer Mill until his retirement. Even after retiring, he remained active and enjoyed helping out at The Traces Golf Club.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 66 years, Ruby Windham Bailey of Darlington; his daughters, Karen Bailey Jordan (Mike) of Darlington, Sandra Bailey Goodson of Florence, SC, and Joan Bailey Hendrix (Jeff) of Darlington.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Barrett Bailey Goodson (Morgan) of Florence, SC; Bailey Goodson Jones (William) of Kailua, Hawaii; Alexandria Pierce Goodson of Charlotte, NC; Ashley Buffington Goodson of Fayetteville, GA; Michael Patrick Jordan, Jr. of Darlington; Madison Marie Hendrix; and Riley Pierce Hendrix of Darlington. Additionally, he leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Zayne Alexander Goodson of Florence, SC, and Ruby Lynn Dove of Darlington, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandson, Thomas “Tyler” Pierce Goodson Jr.; his brothers, Chalmers McIver Bailey and Robert Charles Bailey; and his sister, Mary Bailey Hyman. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in his honor to the church: First Original Free Will Baptist c/o PO Box 441, Darlington, SC 29540.