Minister Marvin Bailey

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.

Funeral service for Minister Marvin Maurice “Reese” Bailey will be conducted 12 Noon Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Majority Missionary Baptist Church, 414 North Coit Street, Florence, South Carolina. Interment will follow at Salem United Methodist Cemetery, 5814 Old River Road, Florence, South Carolina, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Minister Marvin Maurice “Reese” Bailey was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 21, 1962 to the late Willie Marvin Bailey and the late Joyce Gregg Bailey. He passed away from this life into eternal life on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina after an illness.

At an early age, Maurice confessed Christ, joined Salem United Methodist Church in Claussen, South Carolina and was baptized. In 2008, he accepted the call of ministry and later joined Majority Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Alfonso Porter where he faithfully served as Associate Minister. Maurice also received Leadership Training under Reverend Dr. Ralph W. Canty, Pastor of Savannah Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Maurice attended South Florence High School graduating in the class of 1980. He gained Higher Education from Florence Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion College in Florence, South Carolina.

Maurice was employed at Suit World in Florence, South Carolina where he was able to work in the field of fashion that he was well known for. Maurice was previously employed as a Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Florence, South Carolina. He later operated in the role of Vice President of Human Resources at ADP in Florence, South Carolina.

Maurice was an outgoing, energetic and compassionate man that loved the Lord and never met a stranger. He had a deep passion for mentoring young men through his love of fashion and sports. He previously coached young men AAU basketball and lead his women softball team to numerous championship games. He was a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings football team, the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Clemson Tigers football team. He was a minister, daddy, brother, uncle, mentor, friend, confidant and fashion advisor.

Maurice leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters, Chelsea Bailey and Taylor Bailey both of Darlington, South Carolina; future grandson that he was anxiously awaiting, Santana Alexander Bailey of Darlington, South Carolina; a brother, Christopher Brian (Neva) Bailey, of Timmonsville, South Carolina; two nieces, Kelly Bailey and Shanice Bailey both of Columbia, South Carolina; two nephews, Christopher Brian Bailey, Jr and Dorian Bailey both of Florence, South Carolina; his loving grandmother, Queenie Mae Bailey of Florence, South Carolina; two aunts, Helen McWhite of Florence, South Carolina and Vera Gregg of Florence, South Carolina; a special cousin, Michael Kelly of Florence, South Carolina; a devoted cousin who shared in Maurice’s caretaking, Regina McWhite Ham of Florence, South Carolina; and many other special cousins; and friends that he loved dearly (too many to name individually).

Maurice will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. In the words of Maurice “Reese” Bailey, “MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AND MAY HEAVEN SMILE UPON YOU,” until we meet again.

Please keep the family of Minister Marvin Maurice Bailey in your thoughts and prayers.

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