David R. Bailey passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by comfort and the love of his devoted wife, Janet Bailey.

David was a man of many passions and talents. He had a lifelong love for Farmall tractors and owned many that he proudly restored and took to shows, where he enjoyed sharing stories and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. He was also a passionate collector of NASCAR memorabilia, Farmall tractors, and model tractors, taking great pride in curating and preserving these treasures. A dedicated NASCAR fan, David rarely missed a race and found great joy in the excitement of the sport. He also had a deep appreciation for country music and was proud to have built many friendships within that community over the years.

David had a lifelong love for cars and American muscle. Over the years, he restored countless vehicles, taking pride in bringing classic cars back to life. Though a lifelong Ford lover, he surprised friends and family in recent years by developing a newfound affection for a Cummins diesel Dodge Ram—a relationship he embraced with the same passion as all of his beloved vehicles.

After retirement, David discovered a new passion for building custom-made smoker grills and pig cookers. His craftsmanship and creativity in this field earned him recognition in many magazines, and he took great pride in sharing his culinary creations and designs with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts.

David also had a deep love for camping and the outdoors. He spent many happy years traveling and camping, always ready to lend a hand to fellow campers. Whether it was fixing something, sharing a story, or simply enjoying the moment, he built lasting friendships wherever he went.

Known for his remarkable ability to build or fix just about anything, David was someone others could always count on. His skill, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand made him deeply respected and loved by everyone who knew him.

David was a proud Navy veteran who served his country with honor. During his service, he had the incredible opportunity to travel to every country in the world, returning home with countless stories and memories that he shared with pride throughout his life.

Above all, David was a loving family man. He cherished his grandchildren—Scott Bailey, Rebecca Anderson, and Brian Bailey—along with many great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored deeply. He also held a special place in his heart for his daughter-in-law, Nancy Bentley, whom he adored and cherished. His warmth, humor, and steady presence made him truly one of a kind.

In his later years, David also became the unofficial “caretaker” of a growing number of neighborhood cats who seemed to mysteriously rehome themselves at his house. Whether by charm or coincidence, they always knew where to find a good meal, and David never turned them away—happily feeding them and enjoying their company, even if the adoption process was entirely their idea.

Even though David steadfastly refused the technology of today and never gave in to smartphones, he somehow managed to keep in touch with those he loved most—faithfully relying on his trusty flip phone, which he swore was all the communication he ever needed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Bailey, who remained faithfully by his side throughout his life and in his final moments.

David will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, adventure, passion, creativity, and love will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.