Robert "Treet" Lee Bailey

Amazing Grace

Robert Lee Bailey, Sr. was born on November 12, 1923 to Alberta and John Henry Bailey. After a troubled childhood, he tells the story that with the help of his grandmother called ‘Fat Mom’ he raised himself, from the third grade in school, which was the end of his formal education. Because of those beginnings, or in spite of that, he became a man among men with a great work ethic and a desire to be the best man that he could be.

Blessed Assurance

With his 72 year marriage to Margie, 10 children were born; Garland (Gwen), Carol, Robert (Darcel), Margie (predeceased), Theodore, Cleveland (Donna), Sharion (predeceased), James (Sandra),Veronica and adopted son Roy Oliver, Jr. Those siblings blessed him with 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren. He met the love of his life, Margie with matrimony soon following. His children were raised in a tender loving household. Well, loving, but not always tender. He was clearly the man of the house. Because of his limited formal education, he often lined his children up and insisted that they tell him what they learned in school. They didn’t realize that they were teaching him those subjects at the same time. His children tell stories about some of his favorite sayings: “Every shut eye ain’t sleep”, If you stay in this house, you got to decorate” “ you can’t fool the player” and many others. Children coming home late in the evening were often inspected with a flash light for signs of bad behavior. For years he worked at Bob Elliott’s Jewelry Store followed by the El Dorado School District from which he retired. He had his own unique whistle which would announce his arrival home from work.

Here’s the Man (Bobby Blue Bland)

Relatives of Robert Lee called him “Cudn Dump” and he earned the nickname of Treet as a result of his generous spirit and his love of a great party. He was a sharp dresser, loved to engage in games of chance, and never knew a stranger. He loved to look good and smell good. He was a great dancer, having won many dance contests in his young days and an even better singer. He loved old gospel music like Lee Williams, but had a special place in his heart for the blues, especially Bobby Blue Bland and for the alto saxophone. He was also a great fisherman.

His generous spirit ran beyond his family to include neighbors and friends. He also fought for what was right for his family and friends, no matter how strong the enemy.

When the Saints Go Marching In

Robert Lee belonged to First Baptist Church and eventually Greater Paradise Baptist Church where he was a member until his death.

Margie Bailey preceded her husband in death in 2017. He missed her terribly and often said “Good things come to those who wait, and I’m just waiting”. He longed to be reconciled with her. Robert Lee succumbed to his illness on Monday, July 15, 2019. He was a Christian who called God The Master. The Master has called him home.

Because of his belief in the “Master” he leaves none to mourn, but only to cherish his memory. His children, grand children, great grand children, great great grandchildren, his aunt Mary Jones and his family in Carthage,Arkansas will celebrate his life and will ensure that he will live on in their hearts.