Obituary of Rev. Dr. John Edward Bailey

Rev. Dr. John Edward Bailey was born on September 15, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Carmen Kinch. He departed this life Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Temple University Hospital surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Deacon Sylvia Bailey and their daughter and son in law Kim and Dana Murray, Sr.

Rev. Bailey received his early education in the Philadelphia school system.  He earned an Associate Degree in Theology and Biblical Studies from Kentucky Community and Technical College, Elizabet Town Kentucky. He earned a B. A. in Urban Ministries, from Boyce Theological Seminary, Springfield, KY and a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA. Rev Bailey received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Evangelism from New Covenant International Bible College, Columbia, South Carolina.

In 1970 Rev. Bailey joined the United States Marine Corps; there he trained to defend his country.  He received training in Paris Island, Beauford, SC, Camp Le-June, Jackson, NC, and Camp Pendleton in California. He served two tours of duty at camp Carol DMZ Vietnam, and Fu-bi Republic of Vietnam. He also served in Canoe Bay Hawaii, the Filipina Island Marine barracks, Okinawa Japan, the U.S. Embassy, and Marco Africa.  He served on the USS Iwa-Jim Marine aircraft carrier.  He retired with a full honorable discharge in 1997.

Rev. Bailey was called to preach the Gospel at an early age of 15.  He was raised up and baptized at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Philadelphia under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. S. C. Scott.  Rev. Bailey was appointed field Evangelist for the United Church of God Inc., in Elizabeth, NJ. Rev Bailey has done extensive traveling around the United States with well know Evangelist such as R. W. Shamboc, Kenneth Hagen Ministries, and many others.  Rev. Bailey served as an associate minister of the Vine Memorial Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA for many years.   Rev. Bailey pastored Bible Tabernacle in Louisville, Ky for 15 years, Fern Rock Community Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa for 10 years, and Greater Straightway Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA for 5 years.

Rev. Bailey served as interim pastor for the Bible Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was pastor of the Greater Straightway Baptist Church and Fern Rock Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.  Rev. Bailey served as Director of the Evangelist Outreach for Saint Stephen Baptist Church.  As Director, he was responsible for new members intake of a 11,000-member church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Kevin Wayne Cosby.

Rev. Bailey worked with the civilian-police community relations of the Wilmington Police Department.  He was the Chaplain of the Marine Corps League Department of Delaware and the Second Vice President of the General Thomas Holcomb Detachment, Wilmington, DE. He was the first African American to hold this position.

Rev. Bailey was a preacher that loved the Lord and loved to do ministry for the master.  Rev. Bailey was a devoted member of Canaan Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock.  Rev. Bailey served on the following ministries: Ministerial Staff, The Thomas Risher Veterans Ministry, the Evangelism Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Transportation Ministry, and assistant to Pastor Bullock.

Rev. Bailey was predeceased by his mother Carmen Kinch; brother, Sidney Kinch; son, Bernard Bailey and daughter Dorothy Bailey.

Rev. Bailey leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Deacon Sylvia Bailey; his children, Angelica (Johnny) Calhoun, Johnny Bailey, Helena Williams, Priscilla Williams, and Kimburly (Dana) Murray; sister Barbara Kinch; nephew Christopher Blakney; niece Barbara Blakney; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.