Ronald Bailey

RONALD BERNARD BAILEY, affectionately known as “RB,” was born on March 26, 1947, in Pocahontas, Virginia, to Emory and Ruth Bailey.  He accepted Christ as his personal savior at Second Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, in 1995 and was baptized alongside his daughter, Cher’Ron, who was seven at the time.

RB departed this life peacefully at home on the morning of October 4,
2025.

A proud graduate of East High School in 1966, he played football as an offensive half back for the Mighty Tigers. In 1969, he was drafted into the U. S. Air Force, served bravely in Vietnam with the security police squad, and attained the rank of sharpshooter. Though the war left its mark, he was forever a proud veteran.

Through a prior union in 1973, Ron became a first-time father where Ronald C. Bailey was born. In 1984, RB met the love of his life, Cheryl Bell. They were united in marriage on September 20, 1986. In this union, Cheryl’s son, Reginald R. Bronner, was then adopted by Ron.  Together, they welcomed their daughter, Cher’Ron Gabrielle, in 1988.  They shared a life filled with love, laughter, and family until the Lord called him home.

Throughout his life, RB held various jobs but dedicated 28 years to General Motors, retiring in 2008. He was known as an excellent cook and a grill master, and he found joy in bowling, baseball, and cheering passionately for the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Family gatherings were his favorite past times.

RB was preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Ruth Bailey; sister, Margaret Knight; brothers, James and Gilbert (Gil) Bailey; and parents-in-law, Johnny N. and Mary G. Bell.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Cheryl Bailey; sons, Ronald C. (Bianca) Bailey and Reginald R. (Tamika) Bailey; daughter, Cher’Ron G. Bailey; brothers, John (Sylvia) Bailey, William (Lavonne) Bailey, and Charles (Susie) Bailey; sister, Lynn (Jackie) Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Knight, Lance (Julia) Bell, Larry (Monica) Bell, and Johnny (Jeanine) Bell. He is also survived by a special aunt, Katie Murray; grandchildren, Nya Bailey, Diye (Sierra) Bailey, Khayla McClinton, Elegrah Bailey, and Bijoux Bailey; goddaughter, Disnee Hairston; dear friend, Ernestine Battle; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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