LANCASTER, SC~ Mr. Thomas Phillip "Buck" Bailey, age 86, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his home.  He was born April 13, 1934 in York, SC, a son of the late William Oscar Bailey, Sr. and Mary Phillips Bailey and was the husband of Ruby Deese Bailey.  Mr. Bailey served his country in the United States Army and retired from DuPont Corporation.  He loved working in his yard and mowing his grass.  He enjoyed spending time in his shop piddling and working on his mower.  He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and followed the granddaughters playing softball.  His grandsons enjoyed working with him in his shop.  He was known as the "candy man" because he always handed out candy at the games.  Mr. Bailey was a Mason with the Jackson Masonic Lodge and a member of Sherwood Baptist Church.

Mr. Bailey is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruby Deese Bailey; a son, Phillip Bailey (Deborah) of Lancaster; two daughters, Sandy McAteer (Rickey) of Mt. Pleasant and Joni Steranka (Jim) of Lancaster; a brother, Robert "Slick" Bailey; six grandchildren, Jennifer Blackmon (Samuel), Alison Williams (Chris), Kristen Applewhite (Eric), Corey Steranka, Ryan Bailey (Jeania), and Matthew Bailey (Amanda); and four great grandchildren, Landon and Tanner Blackmon, Liam Applewhite and Mia Bailey.

Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his parent; four brothers, Harold Bailey, Richard Bailey, Gene Bailey and Jack Bailey and a sister, Ann Blackmon.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Mr. Bailey will be 2:00pm Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Sherwood Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Rusty McAlister.

For those who wish, donations may be made to Agape Hospice, 311B North Main St., Lancaster, SC 29720 or Sherwood Baptist Church, PO Box 813 Lancaster SC, 29721.

An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com .

Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Thomas Bailey.