Oct 16, 1936 — Sep 29, 2026
Sulphur Springs
Memorial service for Paul Martin Bailey, age 89, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, with Buddy Wiggins officiating. Mr. Bailey passed away at Hopkins Court Senior Living in Sulphur Springs, Texas, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Paul Martin Bailey was born on October 16, 1936, in College Mound, Texas, to the late Bill and Elizabeth (Martin) Bailey. He married Thelma Bailey on May 14, 1988. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Following his military service, he began his career in journalism as an editor at the Greenville Herald Banner before becoming the publisher of the Commerce Journal. He later moved to Austin, where he worked as a business reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. After returning to East Texas, he continued his career as the editor of the Paris News. He later joined Paris Junior College, where he continued to share his experience and passion for journalism and communications. Paul was also a familiar face at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission, where he was a regular for many years. He published a newsletter for the sale barn and enjoyed the many friendships and connections he made through his work there. He was the epitome of grace and kind professionalism. He was generous in his support of the school district and Commerce and surrounding communities. He showed us how a business leader should dress and behave. His faith was an important part of his life, and he served for many years as pastor of Birthright United Methodist Church and Nelta UMC, touching the lives of many through his ministry and service to others.
Paul is survived by his wife, Thelma Bailey; children, Louanne Lewis and husband, Stan, David Bailey, Brian Gammill and wife, Melissa, Misty Blount and husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Adam Hammons and wife, Candace, Hayley McDaniel and husband, Matt, Kenneth Lewis and wife, Layla, Brent Bailey, Britaini Bailey, Rikki Bailey, Braxton Bailey and wife, Dana, Jackson Blount, Brody Blount, Peyton Bailey; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jackie Bailey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Bailey; brother, Bill (Bud) Bailey Jr.; grandchildren, Jerad Alan Hammons, Abigail Bailey; and sisters, Pattie Bailey, Katherine Parsley, and husband, Dwight.
