Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Collin Franklin Bailey, 72

Collin Franklin Bailey, 72, was born to Ernest “EL” and Gladys Bailey in Jacksonville, Arkansas on May 13, 1946 and departed this life on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Although involved in many businesses, he was most proud of his military service from 1972-1992.  He began piloting “Voodoo” RF 101’s for the Air Guard then moving to the Army Guard to become a M60-A1 tank commander and finished his career piloting UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. He also loved motorcycles, cars, fishing and travel.

Collin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ernest Bailey, Jr. and sister Linda Blair-Webb.

Collin is survived by his two special girls, his wife Melissa Clay-Bailey and daughter Bridgette (Matt) Smith; son Chip (Tonya) Bailey; grandchildren Morgan Waymack, Christian Bailey and Cayden Bailey; brother Bob (Donna) Bailey, several nieces and nephews; bonus daughter Cheryl (Russ) Tyler and their children Kristen (Dave) Gean, Clay, Jake and Madi Tyler.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery at the Bailey family plot.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400

31 Comments

  • Judy Bubenheim Posted January 7, 2019 5:19 PM

    We didn’t see each other for years, but remember playing with you as a kid. Your dad brought you down to Texas. I loved your dad. He was so nice to our family. Wished we had lived closer. I missed talking to you on Facebook..
    Your cousin in Texas, Judy

  • Cindi Walker Posted January 7, 2019 5:37 PM

    Melissa and family you are in our prayers and thoughts.

  • Jerri Lee Crace Price Posted January 7, 2019 5:45 PM

    Collin was a Cabot High School Classmate. I really enjoyed our friendship from those early years and enjoyed connecting with him again in 2014 for our Class Reunion. He was truly a unique individual and appreciate his service in our military protecting our freedoms. RIP my friend

  • Wanda Lea (Gilbert) Chancey Posted January 7, 2019 6:03 PM

    I remember Collin as the new guy at school – older and so good looking I couldn’t speak around him. I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers for the family.

  • Karen Riggs LeRosen Posted January 7, 2019 6:25 PM

    Melissa so very sorry. It is very hard to get Thru this, but God is merciful and wraps you in his arms to see it thru. Prayers.

  • Dana Hagan Herrell Posted January 7, 2019 6:26 PM

    I have years of memories with Collin when I was growing up. He taught me how to drive on his dad’s air strip in a 57 Chevy pickup, gave me my first car, played Monopoly til 2am many times, and oh so many more things. He seemed so happy with Melissa and that warmed my heart. He loved his Bridgette…what a special man, so intelligent. I remember him reading encyclopedias! Always fun to be around. Rest in peace Collin. I loved you.

  • Rebecca (Jones) Murphy Posted January 7, 2019 6:33 PM

    A kind and wonderful man

  • Charlotte Posted January 7, 2019 10:07 PM

    Rest in peace.

  • Jeff Girdler Posted January 8, 2019 8:23 AM

    Collin was a “One-of-a-kind”
    Proud and privileged to claim Collin as my friend. Honored that he considered me as his friend.

  • Gene Hickman Posted January 8, 2019 8:33 AM

    Blessing for you, Melissa

  • Ken Langford Posted January 8, 2019 9:11 AM

    Melissa….May God, family and friends give you comfort now and in the coming days.

  • David Milligan Posted January 8, 2019 9:19 AM

    RIP my brother in arms from a retired USAF MSgt.

  • Ron Ruth Posted January 8, 2019 9:32 AM

    RIP Collin, may God bless your family in this time of sorrow

  • Judy Segrest Posted January 8, 2019 9:38 AM

    I am deeply saddened over the loss of this great man. Peace and Prayers for the family in this time of great sorrow.

  • Matt Smith Posted January 8, 2019 9:43 AM

    Collin I will miss you. Til we meet again.

  • Ann Estes Posted January 8, 2019 10:45 AM

    You were one special guy! You will be so missed. Thank you for your service to our country! RIP Sir🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😢

  • Sara Talbert Posted January 8, 2019 11:38 AM

    I am so very sorry. Collin was a long time friend that I treasured dearly. We have been friends for 40+ years and every day was a new adventure. He will be missed sorely, but by Melissa and Bridgette and other family members most of all. You are all in my prayers.

  • Kaye Lendermon Posted January 8, 2019 11:52 AM

    So glad to call Collin my friend…He will be missed by many…Prayers for peace and comfort to his family…

  • Dixie Geren Posted January 8, 2019 12:33 PM

    Until we meet again Collin!! Thank you for your service to our country, but above all, thank you for making my friend so very happy!!
    Peace and comfort to those left behind!

  • Ron Bohn Posted January 8, 2019 1:15 PM

    RIP Collin, from a Vietnam Marine Corps Corpsman who and loved all Huey chopper pilots!! May you fly in the heavenly skies now.

  • Heather Girdler- Proctor Posted January 8, 2019 1:29 PM

    I’m so sorry Melissa and Bridgette. Collin was an amazing man, but more importantly an amazing friend. He was in Ft. Smith at a CMA rally (1993) the night I met Freman. He was the reason I stopped and subsequently met Freman (now ex husband, but still one of my best friends).
    I still have many fond memories of your dad (and husband) and will cherish them forever. From visiting him in Cabot, to motorcycle rallies in Mena, to just being there to bring a smile to your face when you didn’t feel like smiling. My love to you both and your family.

  • Glenda Bauman Posted January 8, 2019 3:53 PM

    Melissa, will be praying for you during this time.

  • Judy Layne Allen Posted January 8, 2019 4:25 PM

    You stay in my prayers Melissa. I am so sorry.

  • Judy Glidewell Posted January 8, 2019 8:46 PM

    Melissa I’m so sorry…but so thankful to see you and Collin so happy! Thank you for your service Collin Bailey…you were a great patriot 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Praying for you, Melissa…love you dear friend.

  • Marlane & Dennis Posted January 9, 2019 6:47 AM

    Collin was one of our favorite tenants back in the day. He was always positive, cheerful and fun. While he was in business, he was always a soldier first. Our condolences and prayers for you all.

  • DEBRA SIMMONDS Posted January 9, 2019 9:53 AM

    Such fond memories of Collin-especially as kids. I will always keep those memories with me for safe keeping.

  • Suzanne Eoff Posted January 9, 2019 10:02 AM

    Melissa and Bridgette, so sorry for your loss of this wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers for both of you.

  • Debra Bailey Simmonds Posted January 9, 2019 10:55 AM

    So sorry to hear my cousin Collin has passed. Our parents took many trips together to Florida, Havanna etc. I always loved his smile. Deepest sympathy to all the family.

  • J D Harris Posted January 9, 2019 7:39 PM

    Melissa we will keep you and the family in our prayers.

  • Janie & Danny Wilfong Posted January 9, 2019 10:59 PM

    Melissa, Prayers for you during this time of a very big loss in your life and the days going forward. Hugs, Love and Many Prayers

  • Tessa Jo Vowels Posted January 10, 2019 7:16 PM

    You will be missed, but will see you on the other side!! It’s all relevant

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