Michael Lester Bailey

Michael Lester Bailey, age 85, of Dalton, GA passed away on May 9, 2026, at Hamilton Memorial Center. He was born on November 30,1940 in Chattanooga, TN.

For 48 years, Mike worked as an electrical contractor and owner of Bailey Consulting Inc. serving the installation and troubleshooting need of several local textile related companies. He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1267 where he served several terms as Exalted Ruler as well as many other offices within the lodge. He later served as the District Deputy to the Grand Exulted Ruler for the NW District of Georgia and then as State President of the Georgia Elks Association. He was a member of the Alhambra Shine Temple and of the local Scottish Rite and Freemasons as well.

Mike was an avid bowler, tennis player and finally golfer which he spent endless hours on the course with both sons and later with his grandchildren. Some of Mike’s fondest memories were all of the years he spent going to Jekyll Island for our family vacations which were tied to the annual Elks state convention in June each year.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Linda (Cook) Bailey, his parents Martin and Martha Bailey, brothers Martin Bailey, Melvin Bailey, Marshall Bailey and sister Marion Howard

He is survived by his children Michael Lester Bailey II and his spouse Dawn of Brick, NJ, Mark Russell Bailey and his spouse Daphne of Chatsworth, Ga, grandchildren Canzady Bailey-Akins and her spouse Hunter Akins, Emma Bailey, Logan Bailey, Cheyenne Bailey, Reagan Bailey, Luke Bailey and great- grandchildren Adelaide Garret and Amelia Akins

Services will be held on Friday May 15, 2026, at Love Funeral Home. The family will receive guests from 11:00am-2:00pm with a service to follow at Love Funeral Home. Mike will be laid to rest at Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

The family has asked Mr. Leon H Phillips Jr, Mr. Jody Buckner, Mr. Dewey Conner, Mr. Andy Buckner, Mr. Nick Conner and Mr. Bruce Davis to serve as pallbearers

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Georgia Elks Aidmore or the Elks National Foundation in Mikes name.