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Mr. Jesse McCarver Bailey, age 87, of Vidette, passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of Friday, September 27, 2024.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 69 years June Thomas Bailey, daughter Pam Boone, sons Mack Bailey (Becky), Bill Bailey (Maianna), grandchildren Joseph Boone (Ashleigh), Matthew Boone, Rhett Bailey (Sherry), Magan Parker (Greigh), Hunter Bailey and Mori Bailey; great grandchildren, River Bailey, Branch Parker and Addilynn Greigh Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children, Lisa Bailey and Bruce Bailey.

Jesse was the 7th of eight children of Hugh McMaster Bailey and Ola Mae Burton Bailey; he was the last remaining sibling. At the age of eight, Jesse contracted polio which left him with an impairment of his left leg, but you wouldn't know it based on his involvement in sports and other activities. He graduated from Louisville Academy in 1955 and was a star athlete. After graduation, he joined the Georgia National Guard and left the service as a Sergeant 1st Class in the armored division when he felt it was time to concentrate on his growing family.

Jesse and his brother, Jack, had a large farm operation in Burke County and were instrumental in introducing and expanding the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle in Georgia and the southeast. Jesse loved riding horses, and he especially enjoyed it when he and his cousin, W. D. Bailey, rode their horses to round up cattle to help other cattle owners. He had other hobbies over the years, such as raising homing pigeons and chickens and was well known for his barbeque.

The family expresses its gratitude and thanks to Dr. Bonnie Jenkins and to St. Joseph's Hospice, especially Amy, Anita, and Kim.

A graveside service will be held on Friday October 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Rose Dau Cemetery in Vidette with Rev Dan Underwood officiating

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Louisville Methodist Church or Vidette Methodist Church.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.