Obituary of Gaar Jones Bailey

Gaar Jones Bailey, also known as Dadoo, of Tampa, FL died peacefully in his home from complications of Parkinson's on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 6:38 PM at the age of 85.

He was born in Louisville, KY and moved to Tampa, FL with his wife and 2 of his 4 daughters in 1983. He was a dedicated and loyal employee of the IBM Corporation for over 30 years where he earned numerous in-service awards and developed life long friendships before his retirement in 1995. He was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist church for 25 years and lived by God's word in everything he did. As a humble servant , he spent many years volunteering his time in service of others. He was selfless, loving and a jokester. He preferred to live without material possessions, always putting the wants and needs of others before his own. He spoke kindly of everyone and no one ever had any ill words to say about him. He cared for everyone and always wanted to ensure they were taken care of
without ever asking for anything in return.

His favorite hobbies were watching and playing sports. An avid golfer, he took a retirement job at Pebble Creek Golf Course where he enjoyed interacting with the people and taking care of business. A dedicated sports fan, he enjoyed cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Kentucky Wildcats. Always a home team fan, he attended every Bucs' home game from the new stadium's opening in 1998 until 2017 when he was physically unable. He continued to watch every game from home, cheering on his team and taking note of bad play calling. Quick with a smile, and positive in spirit, he loved a good joke. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed life, spending time with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his Father Elmer Bailey, Mother Lilian Busath, Sister Jane Flanigan (Bill). Surviving family members include his loving wife Nancy Bailey; Brother Joey Bailey (Barbara), 4 daughters Lisa McFee (Jim), Mary Purdon (Jimmy), Tracy Smith (Michael), Trisha Mendoza (Rick); 10 grandchildren Nicholas Kaufman (Frances), Alexander Smith, Jarrod McFee (Leslee), Thomas Purdon (Laura), Garrett Purdon, Makenzie Purdon, Ashley Raulerson, Bella Mendoza, Lauren Chavez (Tim) and Cameron Mendoza; 4 great grandchildren and 1 expected; Several nieces and nephews. 

Viewing will be on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 PM followed by a service at 1:00 PM and the burial immediately following the service.

Funeral services will be held at Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O' Lake Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639. Burial will be at Hillsboro Memorial Cemetery, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or Lifepath Hospice of Tampa.