John H. Bailey, Jr.

John H. Bailey, Jr. was born on November 8, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the eldest son of John H. Bailey, Sr. and Fannie D. Snow Bailey.  John was educated in the Indianapolis Public School System where he graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1958.  He later served his country in the United States Airforce until the mid 1960’s.  Upon his discharge, he returned to Indianapolis where he attended Indiana University Medical School and began his quest to fulfill his desire to work in the medical field.  John worked at Larue Carter Hospital and gained his experience and knowledge as a pharmacy technician rising to the position of registered pharmacist for the State of Indiana.  He remained employed there for more than 30 years.  John’s love of music began as a child in the Galilee Youth Department.  John used his talent as a musician where he played for many churches in the Indianapolis area, including Eastside Baptist, Pleasant Union Baptist, Greater New Hope Baptist and Eastern Star Baptist Church.  In early 1983, John returned to his church home, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Fitzhugh Lyons, Sr.  John was the minister of music for the Senior Choir and Youth Choir.  With the assistance of Rev. Clarence Barnett, he reorganized the Galilee Male Chorus which grew to boast a membership of twenty men singing every 5th Sunday and throughout the city.  John grew up in the Gospel Music Workshop of America.  He was a charter member of the Silver Heart Singers under Brother Robert Turner, he played for the Jordanaires, Albertina Walker and the Caravans, Cleveland Cole Singers, Essie Poole and the Gospel Pearls, The late Marian Nelson, New Bethel and the hanging of the Ivys.  He also played for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, John continued his work until his health began to fail but was always faithful to the work of the Master.  John was faithful to the Lord, giving glory to His name. John H. Bailey, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Rollin Sprouls. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, brother, David Bailey (Edith); sister cousin, Ruth Snow-Howard (William) and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitations:  Friday, July 7, 4:00 - 9:00 pm, Musical 7 p.m.; Saturday July 8, 11:00 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, July 8, 12 Noon.  Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2624 East 25th Street.  Rev. Fitzhugh Lyons, Officiant. Burial Crown Hill Cemetery. www.Bluittandson.com