After a life of love and quiet grace, Norman David Bailey of Greenville, SC has passed.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
There are losses that teach us the weight of a life.
N. David Bailey, 84, transitioned to his forever home on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his family after complications from a stroke.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joy Bailey, his son, Colonel Craig Bailey (Kristin), and his daughter, Pamela Joy Bailey-McCoy (Glenn). He was a proud and loving grandfather to six cherished granddaughters: Brittany Joy Pike (Zach), Tiffany Peer (Jake), Norah Bailey, and Lauren Bailey; and step-granddaughters Erin McCoy and Meridith McCoy. He was also blessed with four precious great-grandchildren: Layla, Isaac, Avary, and Amelia.
David was preceded in death by his father, Norman J. Bailey; his mother, Dessa Arvilla Bailey; and his brothers, Lewis Bailey and Don Bailey. He is also remembered fondly by many cousins on both the Evans and Bailey sides of the family.
A lifelong resident of Greenville, South Carolina, David was born on November 15, 1941. He was a proud graduate of Greenville High School (Class of 1961) and a member of the Block G Club. An excellent athlete, he played semi-professional baseball for the Valdosta Red Sox and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan, often traveling to Florida with Joy to attend spring training camp.
David served his country in the United States Air Force, where he played baseball across the country. Upon returning to Greenville, he continued playing on numerous local teams.
In 1975, David and Joy founded JOY Real Estate Company, Inc., which, under his leadership, grew into one of the largest independent real estate companies in South Carolina. He developed office parks and built homes and commercial buildings. He had a true passion for mentoring others, training agents, and helping many launch their own successful real estate companies. Known for his encouraging style and "can-do" attitude, he was affectionately called "Mr. B" by those who worked with him. Many continue to share how much of a difference he made in their lives.
David was a dedicated community leader, serving on numerous boards and organizations. He was a longtime board member and treasurer of the Textile Basketball Tournament. He helped establish the first Better Business Bureau of the Upstate and served as its first president. He was also a charter member of the Commerce Club and a member of the Poinsett Club, Greenville Track Club, and Greenville Association of Realtors. He received national recognition for his volunteer work with the March of Dimes, American Heart Association, and Muscular Dystrophy Association. He attended Brookwood Church.
David attended Anderson College and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
An avid runner, David participated in races across the country. He completed the Cooper River Bridge Run 21 times and the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta 26 times, along with countless other 5K and 10K races. He especially enjoyed running with Joy and his granddaughters. He was also an avid reader and built an extensive library of business success books.
Affectionately known as "Papa," David deeply loved and cherished his hardworking children and grandchildren. They often said, "Thank God for Papa," as he was always there for whatever they needed. Until mobility issues limited him, he never missed a ballgame or event they participated in.
He always said he was greatly blessed to have worked with his wife, Joy, and his family for over 50 years before retiring. He was able to tell them he loved them every day.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Mandy Hamel for the wonderful care she provided over the past several months, as well as to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, along with the hospice and neurology teams.
The family will hold a private celebration of life ceremony followed by a public visitation for friends and family from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, 639 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
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