Michael "Mike" Chisholm Bailey

Mr. Michael “Mike” Chisholm Bailey passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 22^nd, 2022, at the age of 72 years old.

Mike is preceded in death by his son, Michael C. Bailey of Keller, Texas; and by his father and mother, Michael Bailey and Mollie Snyder, of McAlester, Oklahoma, and Wray, Colorado.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joy Bailey of Albuquerque, NM; his sister, Alice Collins; his stepfather, Jack Snyder; his daughter-in-law, Beatriz "Betty" Bailey;  his two grandchildren, Tanner and Addison Bailey; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin and Pattie Kimberling; his sister-in-law, Jane Clute; his brother-in-law, Ben Miller; his nephew and niece, Chris and Amanda Jackson and their children; his nephew and niece, Jim and Sara Clute;  his nephew, Herman Ray Jackson; and relatives in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Mike was born to Mollie (Mitchell) and Michael C. Bailey on Friday, March 10^th, 1950 in McAlester, Oklahoma. Mike attended Carlsbad High School in Carlsbad, NM, and graduated with his diploma in 1968.  He attended New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico where he received his bachelor's degree in Fine Art.  He taught art education at Mountainair and Estancia High Schools. He was a talented artist with a God-given gift for drawing and painting in most any medium, with water colors as his favorite.  Mike owned and operated a paint-contracting business prior to his teaching career.

Mike was a kind and loving man with an incredible sense of humor.  He was an avid reader with a propensity for trivia and current events.  He loved fishing, football, wildlife, cooking and grilling; and, he was called on often by family and friends for advice on these topics.  He adored our son, and Michael adored him.  They watched football together via phone calls (NM to TX) cheering on their favorite teams, Denver Broncos and Oklahoma University.  Mike dearly loved his grandchildren, and they dearly loved him. 

Mike's fondest childhood memories were of exploring the backwoods of his Grandpa Bailey's farm in McAlester, Oklahoma; and of fishing, hunting and spending time with Grandpa Bailey.  Mike loved and owned Brittany Spaniels over the years.  His best dog pal was Bert. 

Mike was a kind and loving husband, father and papa.  He will be dearly missed by those who loved him, and  remains in God's memory.