George Allen Bailey passed away peacefully at his home in Garland, Texas, on February 8,
2024. He was born December 18,1949 to Melvin Bailey and Mary Ann Bailey in San Mateo,
California. He grew up in Pampa, Texas where he was in the top of his graduating class of 1968.
He received many honors in basketball, including District MVP, 1st team All-state-Class 4A,
North All Stars, Coach and Athlete Magazine High School All American, Panhandle Plains
Sports Hall of Fame Basketball Player of the year. He received an NCAA Division I Scholarship
and played basketball at West Texas State University and then Lubbock Christian University.
He later earned a Masters in Education from Texas Tech.
George was a teacher for 46 years and a high school basketball coach for 25 years. His career
began in the Texas Panhandle before moving his family to Dallas in 1990. Whether he was
teaching or coaching, he did it with passion. He especially loved teaching Texas History to 7th
graders, many of whom still fondly recall his classes years later. His coaching accomplishments
over the years were many with several district championships and two trips to the State Final
Four. His players remember him as someone who instilled discipline and always encouraged
them to be the best they could be.
Later in his career, after retiring from coaching in 2002, George pursued his love of painting and
drawing. Over the last 20 years, he produced numerous beautiful, colorful, detailed, and vivid
works of art. His art won two 1st place ribbons at the State Fair of Texas in addition to a Merit
Award from Texas Visual Arts Association. His work was also featured in multiple gallery
displays over the years. He loved talking about art with his friends and students, and he passed
on his love of art to his grandchildren.
George is survived by Holly, his wife of 52 years; his son, Kyle Bailey, and daughter-in-law,
Rebekah, of Dallas, Texas; his daughter, Lindsay Early, and son-in-law, Brian Early of Atlanta, Georgia; five beloved and
cherished grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart: Sylvia, Spencer, Thomas, Carolina,
and Sophie.
J. D. hendrickson February 11, 2024
Basketball player / Friend Sherwood , Arkansas
Coach was an amazing man and mentor. He taught me so much about life and basketball. I think one of his greatest strengths and the most important lesson I took from him was how to handle adversity. No matter how much bigger, stronger, and faster opposing teams were, we were always prepared and in a position to win. I teach my kids the lessons I learned from coach all the time. Most of all I know he loved the Lord. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with each of you. I’m sure he is shooting his indefensible jump hook outside of his mansion right now. Love him. J.D. Hendrickson
Nancy E Ramirez February 11, 2024
Friend Tyrone , New Mexico
George and I grew up in the same block in Pampa. So sorry to hear of his passing
Joe and Diane Swick February 12, 2024
Friend and Co worker Dallas , Texas
The times we spend at FBA with George will always be fond memories. Especially as parents of the sideline of the basketball courts, watching the Saints boys beat Bishop Lynch in particular. Diane had great teachers at FBA and George made Texas history both educational and fun for the 7th grade students. We send our condolence to Holly, Kyle and family with love in Christ. Joe & Diane Swick
Mary Jane Rose Johnson February 12, 2024
Pampa class of 1968 Amarillo , Texas
I remember George with great fondness. He was a great person so smart and great basketball player. Sending love and condolences. May he rest in peace.
Bill Draughn February 13, 2024
Fellow Teacher/Mentor/Friend Rockwall , Texas
George and I worked together at North Mesquite High School. I was coaching and teaching and he mentored me, not just with his experienced advise, but in all areas of my life. He was an encouraging, funny, and uplifting voice for me. Each morning, as a past coach himself, he would give me a special word, advise, or a funny antidote that got me through the busy journey of teaching/coaching. He always seemed t0 have the big picture in mind: "Kids First" Coach, you will be missed BUT I know we will see you again in Heaven! Prayers for the Family.
Gidget Moore Fraxier February 13, 2024
Classmate Justin , Texas
Remember George from the Harvester Basketball team. He was always polite in school. Prayers and Angels be with the family.
james brinkley February 15, 2024
FRIEND Rockwall , Texas
HONOR TO HAVE WORKED WITH COACH BAILEY AT NORTH MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL. ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM ABOUT MANY THINGS BUT MOST OF ALL OUR YOUNG KIDS HE WAS ALSO A GREAT TEACHER AND FRIEND TO ALL PRAYERS
Nancy E Ramirez February 17, 2024
Friend Tyrone , New Mexico
George and I grew up in the same block in Pampa. So sorry to hear of his passing