Ernest D. Bailey

Ernest D. “Ernie” Bailey, age 72, of New Prospect, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at NHC Scott in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Ernie was born on May 3, 1953, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, to Billy D. Bailey and Norma Lynn Verser Bailey.

He worked as a Maintenance Technician at Modine Manufacturing in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature.

Ernie was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the New Prospect Church of Christ. He loved God first, his wife second, and then his family. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, tinkering with tools, and lovingly aggravating his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his kindness to everyone, his big heart, and the love he shared so freely.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy D. Bailey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Belinda Diane Richardson Bailey; his children, Richie Hutton (Marcy) of Cookeville, TN, Marla West of Cookeville, TN, and Tanna Weathers (Chad) of Five Points, TN; Mother Norma Verser Bailey, his grandchildren, Jodi Lindley (Ryan), Sydnie Hutton, Draven Hutton, Avery Weathers, Toby Weathers, and Aura Weathers; his great-grandchildren, Kaegan Lindley, Henry Gambrell, Aubree, Bragwell, Kessler Harville, Charlie Gambrell, and Kalianna Harville; and his siblings, Karen Walker (Earl) of Alabama, Debra Smith of Texas, and John Bailey (Ella) of Arkansas. Also, several special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Loretto Memorial Chapel in Loretto, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:00am at Loretto Memorial Chapel, with Chad Weathers and Ken Friel officiating. Burial will follow at Center Point Methodist Cemetery in Leoma, Tennessee.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” —2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements are entrusted to Loretto Memorial Chapel, Loretto, Tennessee.