Russell Ernest Bailey, 93, of Chesterfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2014, at his home. He was born in Ivor, March 28, 1921, to Emma Lee and Ernest Hugh Bailey. He resided, the majority of his life, in Suffolk. For the last 24 years, he lived in Chesterfield County to be close to his children and grandchildren.

Russell is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nellie Downs Bailey; daughters, Diane Bailey Sears (Steve) and Patricia Bailey Crockett (Joe); loving grandchildren, Shannon Andrea Sears, Stephanie Sears Harrelson (Bruce), Joseph Crockett Jr. (Heidi), Carly Crockett Philp (Jerry), and Ethan Bailey Crockett; three great-grandchildren, Tiffany Kaylie Harrelson, Samuel Jun Crockett and Annabelle Catherine Philp.

He is survived by a brother, George Randolph Bailey, of Suffolk, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Irie Lee Bailey, Lell Bailey Kinsey, Elle Hugh Bailey, Raymond Mark Bailey and Jenevelyn Bailey Westnage.

Russell was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of Company F 18th Infantry First Division. He received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for service in three Army campaigns through France and Belgium in 1944. He graduated from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprentice Program with a study concentration in electronics. He retired in 1973 from the Quality Assurance Office, Laboratory Division of the Reference Standards Branch after 32 years of service.

Russell and Nellie were members of Providence United Methodist Church in Suffolk from 1946 through 1990. After their move to Chesterfield, they were members of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, and they are current members of Hopewell United Methodist Church. While living in Suffolk, Russell was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans and the King’s Fork Ruritan Club. He transferred his DAV membership to Chapter 50 in Richmond.

Russell was always available to assist anyone with repairs and special projects. His primary hobby was woodworking. His family treasures the handmade furniture and toys he sculptured for them.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Holly Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Virginia Wounded Warriors Project Region 4 (Central) or Region 5 (Tidewater). Donations can be sent to 900 E. Main St., 6th Floor-West Wing, Richmond, VA 23219. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.