Ralph Sanders Bailey

Ralph Sanders Bailey, Jr., age 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Sanders Bailey, Sr., mother Edith Lorene Barnes Bailey, sister Jaquita Kruger and brother Bill Bailey. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Beverly Ann Bailey of Abilene, sister Martha Camp of Hurst, TX, son Shanan Bailey of Sherman, TX, daughter Velvet Doughty of Abilene, TX, son Sean Bailey of Abilene. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tanner Doughty and Krista Doughty of Abilene and Sarah Beth Bailey and Ben Bailey both of Sherman, TX, and two great grandchildren, Alyson Doughty and Connor Doughty both of Abilene. Sanders was born on March 21, 1938 in Medicine Mound, TX. After graduating from High School, he attended the University of North Texas for two years. After living for a short while in the Dallas area, Sanders moved with his family to Abilene in 1968 and lived there until moving to Lubbock in 1979. After 14 years in Lubbock, he moved back to Abilene. For most of his career, Sanders worked for the NCR Corporation in computer sales. After retiring from that profession, he began working for the State of Texas penitentiary system in 1993, retiring from there with the rank of Sergeant. He was a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and also taught self-defense courses while working for the State. An avid competitive shooter, Sanders was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society and was instrumental in establishing the Abilene chapter of that organization. He competed in countless shooting competitions throughout the country. Known as “Cobeye Zack” in his shooting circles, Sanders was well loved and respected as a shooter and a friend. Most importantly, Sanders was a follower of Christ. His family is comforted by this fact, and that we will see him again in Heaven. He and wife Beverly most recently attended Beltway Park Church in Abilene. Family visitation time will take place on Monday, September 19, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., at The Hamil Family Funeral Home chapel officiated by Danny Brown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sanctuary of Hope, a ministry partnered with the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX. Donations can be sent to “John Hagee Ministries”, P.O. Box 1400, San Antonio, TX 78295, or online at “sohcares.org.”