Thomas (Hilton) Bailey was born on May 25, 1935 to the late Thomas Bailey Sr. and Mary Lizzy Peed Bailey in Nasswadox, VA and was there until the age of two when they moved to Norfolk, VA.  In 1948 the family relocated to Cedarville, NJ where Thomas graduated 8 ^th grade from Oak Leaf School now Myron L Powell.  He went on to Bridgeton High School, where he lettered in varsity basketball and football. Thomas graduated from high school in 1952 and in August of the same year enlisted into the United States Air force. He served in the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.

After being discharged from the Air Force in December 1957, Thomas returned to Cedarville where he later met and married Candace Donaldson Bailey and to that union four children were born: Thomas, Barry, Stephanie and Beth. The family joined and worshipped at Shiloh Baptist Church. Where Thomas served as a Trustee and President of Choir II.  In 1967, Candance Donaldson Bailey was called home to be with the Lord.  In 1968, Thomas  married Sandra Cottman Bailey and that union produced two additional children, Nikki and  Taree.  Together they enjoyed hosting holiday family gatherings, summer   barbeques and traveling to many places. They were happily married for 52 years before Thomas was called home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2021.

Thomas Bailey led the way in many areas and accomplished many first, he was the first black Jet Aircraft Mechanic at Airwork in Millville, first black Salesman and Manager for Singer Sewing Company and the first black shift foreman for Anchor Hocking.  He served as the first black Township Committeeman in Cedarville and the first black man in the Cedarville Police force. A true entrepreneur at heart, Thomas has owned and operated three businesses, Salem Sewing Center, Bridgeton Sewing Center and San-A-T Janitorial Service.

His community was always extremely important to Thomas, alongside his father, he coached little league baseball in Cedarville. Thomas spearheaded the annual Christmas toy give away at the Bridgeton Independent Club. He received multiple awards and recognition for his community service.  Thomas could often be found at the local McDonalds, sipping coffee, expressing his love for the Lord, sharing his wisdom and bragging about his family.  He was an avid fisherman, gardener and a devoted Eagles fan.

Thomas was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He taught discipleship, was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Men's Choir and enjoyed greeting members and visitors on Sunday mornings with a smile. Thomas lived his life to please the Lord. One of his favorite scriptures was, Philippians 4:13, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Lovingly cherishing their memories of Thomas is his devoted wife Sandra Cottman Bailey; two sons, Thomas A. (Linda) Bailey and Barry T. (Sandra) Bailey; four daughters, Gwendolyn (Ronald) Grandi, Beth A. (James) McLean, Nikki Bailey and Taree Bailey; 13 grandchildren, several great grandchildren; stepmother, Anne Johnson; sister-in-law, Sara Spencer and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mary, his daughter, Stephanie Bailey Brown and his special nephew, Kwame Cone.

Loving Submitted, The Family