Doyle Ray Bailey

Doyle Ray Bailey, 88, of Quitman, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Tyler, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 8, 1937, in Clover Hill to Paul Daniel Bailey, Sr. and Bennie Lou (Willingham) Bailey.

Doyle Ray was a lifelong resident of Wood County. He was a proud United States Army Veteran. In 1958, he married Paula Kathleen (Lee) Bailey, and together they shared over 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2019.

He was a man of strong and steady faith and was a longtime member and deacon of Forest Hill Baptist Church. Doyle co-owned and operated Reed and Bailey Texaco in Quitman for many years, where he became a familiar and friendly face in the community. Even after retiring in the early 2000s and selling the station, he continued working there and enjoyed his morning visits with the “coffee and crackers crew.”

In addition to his work at the station, Doyle was a longtime Charolais cattle farmer. He valued hard work and time spent with those he cared about. Above all, Doyle Ray cherished his role as “Granddaddy,” a title he wore with pride. The hole left by his absence will be an impossible one to fill.

Doyle Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Daniel Bailey Sr. and Bennie Lou Bailey; wife, Paula Kathleen Bailey; brother, Paul Daniel Bailey Jr.; and granddaughter, Bethany Bailey.

He is survived by his two sons, David Bailey of Quitman; Jeff Bailey and wife Jennifer of Quitman; brother, Joe Henry Bailey and wife Sandra of Coke; grandchildren, Hannah Bailey, Rachel Bailey, Breanna Bailey, and John David Gibson and wife Jillian; 11 great-grandchildren, BaeLynn, Khale, Kynlee, Khade, Karter, Kolbie, Lilly, Landry, Liam, Remington, and Carter Blake; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Funeral service for Doyle Ray Bailey will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Forest Hill Baptist Church with Brother Fred Morrow officiating. Graveside service will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends during visitation from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Doyle Ray to Forest Hill Baptist Church (1880 N St. Hwy 37, Quitman, TX 75783).