Rick Bailey

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Rick Bailey received his reward of Heaven. The world has lost a kind and caring husband, father, brother, and friend.

Rick was born on April 25, 1954 in Holly Springs and remained a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was saved kneeling at the altar in New Light Church and was baptized in a river. Rick would preach short sermons when he was a teenager and lived with a strong sense of faith. Rick was a member of the Canton First United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending bible studies.

Rick graduated from Holly Springs Elementary, Cherokee High School, and Reinhardt University. While at Cherokee High School, Rick was selected by his peers to be Homecoming King and Class Favorite. He loved playing basketball and earned the nickname “Chick” because his ball-handling skills were like John Havlicek.

When Rick was fourteen years old, he met the love of his life, Linda, at a 4th of July celebration. Together, they had four daughters and created a house full of love. Rick and Linda shared a fairytale life and were married for almost 50 years.

Rick became a health and life insurance agent in 1978 and founded his agency, Rick Bailey & Company, in 1984. His daughters joined the agency after they graduated from college. Rick earned several professional designations including CFP, RHU, REBC, CSA, and Licensed Insurance Counselor.

Rick held industry leadership roles including NAHU Regional Vice President, GAHU President, and AAHU President. As PAC Chair, Rick traveled to Washington DC where he met with Congressmen to discuss issues facing insurance agents and consumers. Rick served on Governor Deal and Commissioner Hudgens' ACA Advisory Boards.

Rick received several awards for his contributions to the insurance industry including Georgia Health Underwriter of the Year, Atlanta Health Underwriter of the Year, and the National Distinguished Service Award. AAHU has the “Rick Bailey Membership Award” named in Rick’s honor.

More than anything, Rick loved people. He was a great listener and gave wise advice. He encouraged you to “Enjoy Today” and “learn something new each day”.

Rick enjoyed watching classic television and sports movies like Hoosiers. He loved fast cars and loud music, especially songs that took him back to good memories.

Rick has been described as kind, patient, devoted, loving, and encouraging. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from the Canton First United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at South Canton Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by, Parents: Jack and Mae Bailey, Daughter: Elise Bailey,

Survivors include:

Wife - Linda Cannon Bailey

Daughter - Amanda and Brian Hohenbery

Daughter - Delane and Gary Castleberry

Daughter - Jennifer and the late Sam Moss

Grandchildren - Bailey, Drew and Connor, Allie, Kiersten, Ally, Ethan, Landon and Claire

Sister & Brother-in-law - Sue and Phil Smallwood

Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends and other Family also survive.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com