OBITUARY Tony Bailey February 4, 1956 – October 24, 2018 Anthony (Tony) Bailey was born February 4, 1956 in Detroit Michigan. Tony accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of the Scott United Methodist Church community. He sang in the youth choir, was a talented trumpet player, and participated in many charitable programs.
In addition to being dedicated to his faith, Tony developed his skills in carpentry and general construction under the tutelage of his step-father and grandfather. In 1974, he graduated from Saint Martin DePorres High School. Tony continued his education in the United States Air Force where he received his certification in warfare electronics.
Following his service, he found work installing car stereos. It was there that one of his customers recognized Tony’s exceptional engineering talents and recruited him to work for IBM, where he trained to be a computer engineer. Throughout his career Tony held positions at IBM, Becton Dickinson, Domain Consulting Group, Revolution Studios, Branam Enterprises and Canon.
He made significant contributions to advancements in medical computing, the Washington DC subway system, and special effects and lighting rigs in the entertainment business. Tony’s career afforded him the opportunity to explore the country, and eventually settle down in Culver City, California in 1982. It was here that he met his soulmate, Sharon Hayes.
Sharon was working as a programmer and network engineer while caring for her son, Jerome. Tony accepted Sharon’s son as his own, and they married in January of 1991. Their union produced two children, Jeanine and Anthony.
He devoted his life to teaching his three children to be self-sufficient, independent, caring, sensitive and generous. Tony donated his time, equipment, and expertise to the Los Angeles community. He prepared and delivered food to those with HIV and AIDS who were unable to feed themselves.
He brought the first computers to the YMCA Afterschool Sunshine Program, donated additional computers to the North Valley YMCA, and regularly made clothing and baby item donations to those in need. Tony’s dedication to community service enriched the lives of countless children and their families, and his selflessness was an inspiration to every life he touched. Tony retired after a 35 year career.
Tony will be truly missed by the communities he served. In his free time, Tony enjoyed repairing and restoring cars, remodeling his home and photography. He always had a genuine curiosity for what made things tick, often taking devices apart to discover their inner workings and then rebuilding them.
He loved staying abreast of new technologies and gadgets, as well as sharing his vast knowledge of practical engineering. Above all, Tony enjoyed nothing more than spending time with this loving family, and he was always there when they needed him. Whether it was taking a vacation to visit a family member, providing much-needed repairs to family property, or taking on the role of family photographer, Tony was there at the drop of a dime.
He truly cherished his family and called his mother every day. He was never one to take life too seriously and one of his jokes could fill a room with laughter. He enjoyed living life to the fullest, never met a stranger, and always enjoyed teaching others.
Tony departed this life Wednesday, October 24, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife Sharon Hayes, three children: Jerome McCuin, Jeanine Bailey, Anthony Bailey, his mother Irma James, his stepfather Theodore James (who preceded him in death), his sister Margaret Thames, his brother Carl Bailey (who preceded him in death), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends.
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