February 24, 2005 Mr. Ernest M. Bailey, 87, formerly of Bridgeport, died Thursday, February 24, 2005, at Wesley Long Hospital. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Flat Rock United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. A native of Syracuse, New York, Mr. Bailey was born on November 10, 1917, the son of Merrill and Mary Harrington Bailey. He was retired from the Carrier Corporation. On May 14, 1938, he married Muriel Agatha LaGrange. Following Mr. Bailey's retirement they moved from Bridgeport, NY, to the Oakside Retirement Community in Zephyrhills, FL, and most recently to Countryside Village in Stokesdale. Regardless of where they lived, Mr. Bailey knew no strangers, was involved in his community, and embraced life. He was a member of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Company and for over 60 years, a member of the Nortrip Lodge. To honor Ernie's spirit, the family hopes that all would live as he did - loving his family and serving his community. Ernest is survived by his wife of 66 years, Agatha; daughters, Patricia Bailey and her life partner Dee Irwin of Summerfield, NC, Donna Mackie and her husband Angus of Cooperstown, NY; three grandchildren, Morgan and Kyle Mackie, and Thi Lynn Gallen; brother-in-law Gary LaGrange of Fort Myers, Fla.; and nephew James Bailey Jr. of Bridgeport, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bridgeport United Methodist Church or the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Company. Forbis & Dick - Brooke Chapel is serving the Bailey family.