Obituary of John Kenneth Bailes

John Kenneth Bailes of Sumter, SC passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the age of 83. Born in North, SC and raised in Union, SC, he was a son of the late James P. Bailes and Mattie Louise Smith Bailes of Union, SC. He was married to Mary Waring Bailes for 60 years. John is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Compton (Mike) of Sumter, Ronda DeWeese Hodges (Matt) of High Point, NC, Rosemary Bailes of Boiling Springs, SC and nine grandchildren, John Michael, Patrick, and Michaela Compton, Andrew Compton (Emily), Lauren Quesenberry (Donovan), Ryan DeWeese, Sarah DeWeese, Zach and Erin Hodges and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, James P. Bailes, Jr. (Sara) of Hendersonville, NC and William Joseph Bailes (Mona) of Fairfax, VA. He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Jerry H. Bailes. John graduated from Clemson College with a major in Dairy Science. He was employed by Barber Pure Milk Company after graduation. In 1973, he moved to Sumter with his family and worked for Sumter Dairies. He later worked for Diversey in sales and service of equipment. John was also President of the SC Diary Association for two terms. In recognition of distinguished service to The Dairy Industry, John was elected to The South Carolina Dairy Hall of Fame at Clemson University in 2006. John was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church since 1974. He worked diligently and lovingly mentored the youth group for over 10 years. In addition, he served on many committees, taught an adult Sunday School class, and sang in the adult choir. He was also an active member of the Men’s Fellowship for many years. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Rev. Wes Conner officiating. Burial will be in the St. Philips Episcopal Church Cemetery at Bradford Springs in Lee County. The family will receive friends from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. Saturday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 27 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.