Milton Clarence Bailey Jr., 85, peacefully transitioned on September 13, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Bolivia, North Carolina. He was born on May 29, 1941, in Bronx, New York, to the late Milton Clarence Bailey Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Bailey.
Milton was a devoted husband, loving father, accomplished electrician, and a man who took great pride in his work, his family, and the life he built. A proud member of the NAACP, IBEW Local 3, and The Lewis Howard Latimer Progressive Association, commonly known as the Latimer Club, a satellite-affiliated club of IBEW Local Union No. 3. He built a distinguished career as an electrician and contributed his skills to some of New York City’s most notable venues.
For many years, Milton commuted from Long Island into New York City, where his work took him to places including the World Trade Center, New York Coliseum, and Madison Square Garden. One assignment he didn’t particularly enjoy became a family favorite: his work supporting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While Milton may not have loved the assignment, his family certainly did— especially when his work gave them the opportunity to watch the parade from the VIP section. He concluded his successful career at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, from where he ultimately retired.
Milton was fortunate to experience great love twice in his life.
On August 22, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Sheila Dianne Bailey. Together, they shared nearly 49 years of marriage, building a life and raising their family on Long Island. They eventually retired to North Carolina, where they fulfilled a lifelong dream of building a beautiful home in Ocean Ridge Plantation in Ocean Isle Beach. Sheila was Milton’s wife, partner, and the love of his life for nearly five decades. Her passing on April 1 7, 2013 left an immeasurable absence in his life and in the lives of their family.
Years later, Milton was fortunate to reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Sonja Farr. Their connection quickly rekindled, and for more than 10years, Milton and Sonja shared a loving partnership filled with laughter, new experiences, and companionship. They enjoyed traveling together, golfing, bowling, attending concerts and the Black Rodeo, and, most importantly, simply enjoying each other’s company.
Milton was also immensely proud of Sonja and her talents. In one of the clearest examples of their partnership, he happily surrendered his beloved billiard/pool room so that it could become Sonja’s sewing and quilting space. He was her number one fan, proudly supporting her as she participated in Airing of the Quilts and other opportunities to share her work. Their relationship brought Milton a renewed sense of joy and companionship in his later years.
Throughout his life, Milton embraced new experiences and found many ways to stay active and engaged. In his younger years, he enjoyed downhill skiing, tennis, racquetball, boating, fishing, camping, and traveling. After retirement, he discovered a love of golf, became an avid bowler, and continued to find new ways to stay connected to his community. Through bowling, his work, and the many communities he was part of over the years, Milton formed lasting friendships and shared countless memorable experiences.
Milton was a quiet activist, a loyal friend, and a man with a smart sense of humor. He did not always need to be the loudest voice in the room to make his values known. His commitment to the NAACP and the Latimer Club reflected a lifelong belief in community, fairness, and the importance of standing for what was right. Those values were especially evident in the way he raised his daughters. For Kim, Milton instilled a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors and helped shape her enduring understanding of racial and social justice—lessons that became part of who she is and how she moves through the world. For Denise, Milton instilled values that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. He taught her the importance of working hard, treating others with kindness and respect, helping those in need, standing up for herself, and always being responsible. More than anything, he taught her through his own example what it means to be strong, caring, and devoted to the people you love. She will always be grateful for the love, guidance, and lessons he gave throughout her life.
Above all, Milton was a proud father to his two daughters, Kim and Denise. He was deeply proud of the women they became and the lives they built. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, independence, determination, loyalty, accomplishments, quiet sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his family.
Milton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheila Dianne Bailey, and his parents, Milton Clarence Bailey Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Bailey.
He leaves to cherish his memories with his daughters, Kim and Denise Bailey; his son-in-law, Michael Moore; his beloved partner, Sonja Farr; and a host of loving relatives, friends, former colleagues, and extended family members.
Milton’s life was one of hard work, achievement, love, and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that mattered to him. He built a life on his own terms, loved deeply, worked proudly, and remained curious about the world around him. His memory will forever remain a blessing to the many people who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
White Funeral and Cremation Service
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