Reverend Arlan Alexander "A.A." Bailey Gastonia Reverend Arlan Alexander "A.A." Bailey, 94, died Friday, December 11, 2015 at his home in Gastonia. He was born July 1, 1921 in Forest City, NC, a son of the late Robert Vance Bailey and Zula Price Bailey. He married the Late Mrs. Kathleen Bryson Bailey in 1943 and they were happily married for 67 years. Rev. A.A. Bailey was an honor graduate of Gardner Webb University, Furman University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was licensed in 1938, at age 17, and ordained in 1940. During his career he served at Sandy Plains Baptist (1940-1945), Centerview Baptist (1948-1955), and the First Baptist Church of Bessemer City (1955-1983). Rev. Bailey made eight overseas working mission trips with the International Mission Board. Following his retirement, he served 19 pastorates and also served in many positions with the Greater Gaston Baptist Association. Rev. Bailey is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, brothers Russell, Norman, and Lester, and sisters, Ruth, Ethleen, and Francis. Survivors of Rev. Bailey include his daughter Kathy Bailey Cheshire, former son-in-law, G. Patterson Cheshire; son Joseph Bailey, Frankie Bailey; grandchildren Amber Bailey, Jenna Bailey and husband Ben Bailey, Justin Rhyne, Hannah Young and husband Matt, Heather Albright and husband Drew, Dennis Bradford and wife Dana. He had 5 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Hubert Bailey and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 15, 2015 from 5-8PM, at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. A service to celebrate the life of Rev. Bailey will be held at 3PM, Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park. At other times the family will be receiving friends at the home of Kathy Bailey Cheshire, 1131 S. Edgemont Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church to establish a fund to provide water to those in need. Condolence messages may be sent online to www.McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Rev. Bailey.