Garland Bailey

Garland Lee Bailey July 31, 1946 - February 14, 2025 Garland Lee Bailey, beloved son, brother, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, in Oakland, California, after a lengthy illness. He was 78 years old. Garland was born on July 31, 1946, in El Dorado, Arkansas, the eldest son of Robert and Margie Bailey. He was the firstborn of their ten children, a family of five boys and five girls, with each girl having an older brother as her protector.

Garland was the family's hero from a young age. At just 12 years old, he wanted to play football, but his father needed him to work to help support their growing household. Because he was underage, Robert took Garland to Safeway Grocery Store and worked alongside him until he came of age. Garland worked in the butcher's department and brought home steaks and other cuts of meat every Friday. He also bought his father's first car and later provided the family with their first telephone upon returning from Vietnam.

Garland's strength and loyalty to his family were unwavering. He stood up to protect his siblings. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school, attending the segregated Washington High School. His mother, Margie, proudly shouted, "Thank ya, Jesus!" when he received his diploma. Garland continued his education at Pine Bluff AM&N College, studying Applied Science. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in both his school and church choirs. Garland was drafted into the U.S. Army after taking a semester off from college to work in Oakland. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 for four years. He later fought hard for his disability benefits. After returning home, Garland briefly stayed in El Dorado before moving too Oakland, where he built a life and a long career at Caterpillar, earning a pension. An avid fisherman, Garland loved the water as much as he loved music. He once caught a 100- pound stingray and enjoyed taking his camper out in the Bay Area.

Garland was a member of the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years, joining under the leadership of Pastor A.L. Cobbs Sr.

It was at Harmony, Garland met and married Gwendolyn Wells, from Beaumont, Texas, on October 28, 2000. At Harmony, he served as Chairman of the Deacon board, on the trustee board, and sang in the choir, where his faith continued to guide his life. While he had no biological children, Garland helped raise his cousin Jeanette's daughter Rita and later adopted her granddaughter Serenity. He and Gwen loved and cherished Serenity and her daughter Ny'liah, who affectionately called him her Paw Paw. Garland remained a guiding figure for his siblings and extended family.

He paved the way for his younger brothers Robert and James when they decided to relocate and make Oakland their home. Continuing the family tradition of Uncle Willie Parr. In his later years, Garland embraced his role as the Patriarch of the Bailey family. He and Gwen enjoyed traveling, going to concerts, sharing family time, and hosting Sunday dinners, most recently for Super Bowl Sunday. Garland is survived by his loving wife, Gwendolyn Bailey, his daughter Serenity, his granddaughter Ny'liah, and his siblings, Carol, Robert (Darcel), Theodore, Cleveland (Donna), James (Sondra) and Veronica, his brother-in-law Howard (Veronica), nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and love-a true protector and provider who uplifted those around him. His strength and generosity will forever be remembered.