Rites held for James ‘Tiny’ Bailey

Services for James Lee Bailey, 72, of Allen were Tuesday, November 25th, at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel; Troy Byrd officiated. Burial followed at Allen Cemetery.

James left us peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. James (Tiny) was born on April 18, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Jarel and Wanda Sanders.

Tiny married the love of his life, Vannie (Skeeter) Bailey on May 22, 1973. Together they celebrated 52 years of marriage. To this union was born, Michelle, Michael, and Jeb.

Tiny worked hard all his life to provide, support, and love his family. In 2007, he retired from the Department of Corrections.

Although he loved Skeeter and the kids, his greatest joys came from earning his favorite title “Papa”. You can guarantee there was trouble to be had when they were together.

Tiny attended River of Life Worship Center. He took on many roles over the years, but he got the most enjoyment from driving the bus for all the ladies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jarel and Wanda Mae Sanders; his brother, Albert Leon Bailey; and father-in-law, Gene McCarter.

He is survived by his wife, Skeeter; children, Michelle and husband, Scott Kagebein (Chouteau, Oklahoma), Michael Bailey and fiancé, Jennifer (Kingston, Oklahoma), and Jeb and wife, Briana Bailey (Lula, Oklahoma); grandchildren, James (Stephanie) Gregory, Christopher (Abby) Gregory, Matthew (Madi) Gregory, Kailey Gregory, Addison Bailey, Alexa Bailey, Lilly Bailey, Karter Bailey, and Kambree Bailey; and five great-grandkids, Braxton, Braylee, Miley, Marley, and Kourt. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, LaFaye McCarter; sister, Nanette Sanders; brothers-inlaw, Alvin McCarter, and Ricky McCarter (Momi); sisters-in-laws, Pam Bailey and Robin McCarter; uncle, Carl (Betty) Holman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Bearers were Chuck Wofford, Brad Wofford, James Gregory, Chris Gregory, Matthew Gregory, Jeff Wortman, and Karter Bailey. Honorary bearers were Chad Goodson, Justin Clifford, Easton Ramsey, Mark Benedict, Tommy Cravatt, Jack Guffey, Jared Truett, Brenton Lewis, Clint Walker, Bryan Windle, and Ross Lortie.