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Celebrating the life of Purcell G. Bailey.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Purcell G. Bailey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, honorable veteran, accomplished businessman and home designer, and longtime member of the Surry County community, died on February 8, 2026; and
WHEREAS, born and raised in Surry County, Purcell Bailey attended the former Surry County Training School in Dendron and spent time working with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Williamsburg before he was drafted into the United States Army in January 1943; and
WHEREAS, Purcell Bailey served his country with honor and distinction during World War II, achieving the rank of technician fourth grade sergeant before he was discharged in December 1945; and
WHEREAS, following his service, Purcell Bailey worked a series of jobs in Surry County for some time before finding his calling as an interior decorator and studying the trade in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Purcell Bailey relocated to the St. Albans neighborhood in the Queens borough of New York City, where he owned and operated a successful interior decorating company for several years, which served city, state, and federal entities, as well as famous musicians, such as Count Basie and James Brown; and
WHEREAS, while living in New York, Purcell Bailey worked for the betterment of his community as a member and president of his local chamber of commerce and as the master of the Crispus Attucks Lodge #60 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York; and
WHEREAS, Purcell Bailey returned to Surry County in the early 1990s and dedicated himself to supporting his community, including as the first president of the Surry County African American Heritage Society and as a member of the NAACP, the American Legion, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and
WHEREAS, guided by his faith, Purcell Bailey enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Lebanon Baptist Church in Surry County and was previously a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Queens; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his first wife, Corinne, Purcell Bailey will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife, Nellie; his children, Purcell, Jr., and Cynthia, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Purcell G. Bailey, a treasured member of the Surry County community whose legacy of perseverance, achievement, and service will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Purcell G. Bailey as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.