In Loving Memory of Raymond Thomas Bailey, Jr.

July 19, 1939 – June 22, 2025

Raymond Thomas Bailey, Jr., fondly known as Tom, returned to his heavenly home on June 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of the Lord, Tom lived a life filled with faith, love, and service.

Tom was born on July 19, 1939, in Nephi, Utah, to Raymond Thomas Bailey, Sr., and Mary Romney. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a home filled with gospel teachings and a love for education. His father’s work as a seminary teacher inspired Tom’s lifelong commitment to learning and service. Tom has shown a deep respect for his parents’ example of faith and integrity.

Tom grew up in American Fork, Utah, where he excelled academically and athletically. He attended American Fork High School, where he distinguished himself as a gifted athlete, playing basketball and tennis. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong love of sports, especially basketball.

Tom served a faithful mission in the East Central States Mission, which included Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. He felt deeply blessed to teach and baptize individuals, bringing the light of the gospel to those he met.

Following his mission, Tom answered the call to serve his country by joining the National Guard. While assigned to an Army administration unit, he was called upon to assist during the significant historical event of the Watts Riots in 1965. His sense of duty and discipline carried over into his civilian life, shaping his career and relationships.

Tom attended Brigham Young University and the College of Southern Utah, where he was recognized as a scholar-athlete. These years shaped his professional aspirations and laid the foundation for his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His accomplishments in basketball and tennis earned him lasting recognition, including being named Athlete of the Year in tennis for 1958. His love for sports continued throughout his life as he continued to be active and supported his children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits.

Tom married the love of his life, Launa Jean Hamilton, on August 9,1963 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a legacy of faith and devotion, raising a family centered on gospel principles. In a tender moment, towards the end of his earthly life, he took out his phone and played the song “In This Life’ for his sweetheart and sang to her the words “I will know deep in my heart, The only dream that mattered had come true, In this life, I was loved by you.”

Tom was a devoted servant in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the most meaningful aspects of his service was his many years as a sealer in the Provo Temple, a role he continued in the Orem Temple following the Provo Temple’s closure. He found profound joy in officiating sacred ordinances and binding families together for eternity. Tom’s faith was built on these principles, and everyone who knew him could feel how deeply he loved his Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. His time serving in the temple touched countless lives–both here and beyond the veil. He lived with Christlike love and compassion, not just in big moments but in the little, everyday ways that mattered most.

Above all, Tom’s greatest joy was his family. He and Jean were blessed with five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed every opportunity to gather with his family, from annual family reunions to Sunday visits and game nights. These moments were often filled with laughter, storytelling, and his heartfelt testimony. Tom was a firm believer in supporting his family and delighted in attending baptisms, graduations, sports events, and other milestones in his family members’ lives.

Tom’s dedication to his family was matched by his passion for helping others. Whether through his professional work, his service in the Church, or his personal relationships, Tom exemplified Christlike love and compassion by quietly helping others whenever he could.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, four of their children, Debbie (Alan) Misbach, Kurt (Kim) Bailey, Ryan (Shannon) Bailey, and Summer (Doug) Huber, a posterity of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister Barbara Bailey. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Thomas Bailey and Mary Romney, his sister Shirley McIntosh, daughter Janet Brown, grandson Camron Eagle, and other beloved family members who have gone before him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the Foothill Church Building located at 4200 N. Foothill Drive in Provo. A viewing will take place prior to services from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery.

Tom Bailey lived a life of unwavering faith, steadfast service, tireless dedication, and unconditional love. His legacy is one of devotion to God, family, and community. While his presence will be deeply missed, his influence will be felt for eternity.