AARON BAILEY

Aaron Keith Whitaker Bailey, affectionately known as “AB” “Daddy Aaron”, entered this earthly life on March 25, 1964 to the parentage of Norris Lee Whitaker, Sr. and Patsy Bailey in San Diego, CA.

Most of his childhood was lived in San Diego. He relocated to Dallas, TX where he completed his education and graduated in 1982 from Justin F. Kimball High School. During high school, AB was a running back for the Kimball Knights football team and ran the 200 meter and 3rd leg 4x4 meter relay for the track team. After graduating from Kimball, AB continued his education at Kilgore Junior College where he majored in Business and he also continued playing football.

AB was a believer In God and was proud to serve in any capacity. In 1979, he started his Christian journey at South Dallas Baptist Church under the leadership of his late stepfather, Pastor Willie B. Simon where he served on the usher board, sang in the choir and drove the church bus. He and his best friends also worked security for the Oak Cliff Baptist Minister’s Union every year.

AB loved spending time with his family and friends. You could find him at the domino table at any family event. He made sure his family was well fed and when they knew he was cooking enchiladas, they showed up! Anytime he was available, he was traveling near and far cooking side by side with his brother-in-law for special events. When he wasn’t cooking, he enjoyed fishing with his uncle. AB was also a member of The Predators flag football team in which he played with his best friends.

AB was the hardest working MAN!!! As a young man, he worked for his stepfather with S&J Construction. When he moved back to San Diego, he was a government employee. Once he moved back to Texas, AB became the manager at EZ Pawn. On August 8, 2005, he became an employee for DART until his passing. After 16 years as a faithful employee, he was awarded as Employee of The Month. He was so proud and honored to receive this award.

In 2003, AB reunited with his teenage girlfriend, Valerie “Tootie” Crow. The two married on January 30, 2004 and to this union a baby girl, Aariona Bailey was born.

The family united with the Freedom Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Mack T. Flemmings, Sr. Always ready to serve, AB was a member of the Security Ministry, Male Chorus and he also starred in the church play as “Big Mike”.

AB was preceded in death by; his father, maternal grandparents, Willie and Azzielee Bailey, paternal grandparents, Buford and Hattie Whitaker, and a host of aunts and uncles.

AB leaves behind: his wife of 18 years, Valerie “Tootie” Crow-Bailey; daughters, Aariona Bailey, Patrika Bailey Alexander, Da’Ashlaun “Da’Da” Beckwith and his fur baby Bella Bailey all of Dallas, TX; mother, Patsy Bailey (Dallas, TX) , siblings, Norris Lee Whitaker, Jr. (San Diego, CA), Kimberly Whitaker Edwards (Dallas, TX),  Shearese Johnson (San Diego, CA), Ajeenah Whitaker (San Diego, CA) and Tanya McKinney (Dallas, TX); grandchildren, Makhi Land, Ma’Kenzie Land, Mason Land, Messiah Davis and fur baby Winston Beckwith all of Dallas, TX; best friends, Darrell Robinson and Lemanuel “Pete” Williams both of Dallas, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.