Mr. Melvin Thomas “Tommy” Bailey, age 78, of Flovilla, Georgia, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Tommy was born on Sunday, October 12, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Marion Thomas Bailey and the late Virginia Louise Hudson Bailey. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Gerald and Lynn Gaddy. Tommy proudly served in the United States Air Force.

Tommy Bailey, a name synonymous with line dancing that still makes people grin long after they have left a room – the kind of person whose talent, heart & spark became part of the story. He was one that could turn a class into a comedy hour, a social into a family reunion, and a shy beginner into someone who felt they always belonged. That easy humor, that warmth, the way he folded everyone and made the whole room lighter – that makes him special. Whether it was his smile welcoming you to class or his Tommy-isms “Mamma’s mall turn”; “Wee-Wee Step”; “How does that grab you” – followed by “Like a new set of pliers.” He was as natural at making people feel comfortable as he was at dancing! You didn’t just learn a step from Tommy. You left smiling, feeling like you had been welcomed into the line dance family.

Most of all, Tommy’s love for his family could not be measured. Mentioning his kids, grandchildren & his great- grandchildren brought such a proud smile.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lynn Bailey; daughters and son-in-law, Tammi Bailey, Charmain and Chris Ellis, Tonya Stoudt; grandchildren and spouses, Brooke and Ryan Sapp, Kari Ellis, Dylan Stoudt, Erin and Robbie Ellis; great-grandchildren, Rhodes Sapp, Isaiah Ellis; sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Mike Reichert; brother and sister-in-law, David and Barbara Bailey; grand dogs, Diesel and Mable; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A visitation for Mr. Tommy Bailey will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Tommy Bailey will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. at the Henry County Moose Lodge, 91 Hunters Chase, McDonough, Georgia 30253.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Dancers with Heart.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.westburyfuneralhome.com.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College Street, Jackson, GA, is honored to serve the Bailey family.