Ernest Leroy (Beetle) Bailey died peacefully at his home on July 5 2016 in Asheville, NC at the age of 87. Leroy is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Patsy Stroup Bailey; daughter, Sandy Landers; grandchildren, Kim Landers - Kalogeras, Michelle Harris Hunter, Michael Ledford (Karen), and Lance Landers (Melissa) of Asheville; and great grandchildren Bailey, Evie, Rylee, Addison, and Max. He is preceded in death by his son, Sam Bailey; and daughter Kathy Harris, of Asheville. He was born on March 17, 1929 in Swannanoa, NC to Otis and Oma Bailey. He graduated from Swannanoa High School and soon after married Patsy, his high school sweetheart. Leroy began working for Beacon Mills then later for CHEMTRONICS as an Electrician and soon after the couple welcomed three children into their home. His family remembers him as a loving father, grandfather and a man of deep faith. Leroy was a man of many talents and a dedicated family man who loved Baseball and shared many fond memories as a player with the Beacon Mills Industrial League and the lasting friendships he and Patsy made in those years. He was a member of the Riceville Presbyterian Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Leroy’s life on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Harwood Home for Funerals with Rev. James Lamb officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service time at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome or if you would like to send donations please send to Care Partners Hospice at 68 Sweeten Creek Road. Condolences can be sent to and accessed through Harwood Home for Funerals following the link below; http://www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com/book-of-memories/2641164/Bailey-Ernest/service-details.php The family would like to thank the Care Partners staff for their devoted efforts and unwavering professionalism.