Celebrating the Life of Minister Oscar Lee Bailey Minister Emeritus of the Avenue F Church of Christ

On Thursday, April 24, 2014, Bro. Oscar Lee Bailey, a dearly loved son, husband, brother, uncle, friend, and minister accepted God’s call and gently laid his head to rest.

Oscar was born on May 11, 1930 in Coleman, Texas, the oldest of nine children of the late Oran and Declara Bailey.

While in his youth, Oscar came to understand the real meaning of God’s presence, accepted Christ and was baptized by the late Bro. Walter Weather at Antioch Church of Christ.

He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, TX, and graduated from Midway High School in Midway, TX. He earned a two year degree from Southwest Business Administration in Dallas, attended Wiley College, and Southwestern Christian College. He served two years in the U.S. Army and earned an honorable discharge.

He married Mary E. Whitley in 1953, and together they worked faithfully with the Avenue F Church of Christ until her death in 1998.

In 1960, Bro. Bailey started preaching at the Lawrence & Marder Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bro. Grover C. Washington. He also served two years as minister of the Church of Christ in Mineral Wells, Texas. In 1964 the late Bro. Willie Beal, Sr. approached Bro. Bailey about accepting the ministry at the Church of Christ in Plano, Texas, then known as the Avenue H Church of Christ.

In the 40+ years at the Avenue H location, Bro. Bailey saw the church grow from three members to a 200+ membership. In 1994 they moved from Avenue H to their now location – Avenue F.

While preaching at the Avenue H congregation, Bro. Oscar obtained a Certificate of Religious Education from Southwestern Christian College in 1969. He was a longtime supporter of Southwestern Christian College and received numerous recognitions from this higher institution.

He also was an active participant in the Texas and National Lectureships throughout the years. Bro. Bailey was Minister Emeritus of the Avenue F Church of Christ until his health failed him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bailey; parents, Oran and Declara Bailey; sister, Edna Bernice Flanagan; niece, Katherin; and nephews, Donald, Rickey, and Lee Moris.

He is survived by his siblings: Morris (Joyce), Curtie, Eleanor, Frances (Larry), Gladys, Beverly, and Bobby (Oneida). Two sisters-in-law: Jeannie (Paul), Virginia, and one brother-in-law: James (Samantha). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.

Wake:
Friday, May 2
Viewing 6:30-7:00 PM
Program 7:00-8:00 PM
(Open remarks)

Homegoing Services:
Saturday, May 3
Time: 11:00 AM

Both services will be at Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ Body has been entrusted with Golden Gate Funeral Home