Edward Bailey, affectionately known as “SonnyBoy” and “Eddie,” entered this world on August 9, 1932. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Eddie Mae Bailey, he was the eldest of three children.

After a time in Birmingham, Alabama, Eddie joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1951-1954. He eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio where he reconnected with his aunts, Geneva Hubbard and Retricia Goldsmith. Here he met Minnie Lee Crockett. The two married in 1957 and from this union came Edward Jr and Sandra, as well as a bonus daughter, Sharon Crockett.

Eddie was a proud laborer and longstanding member of Laborers Union Local 860.

He enjoyed attending family reunions and visiting his daughter, Danita, and family in California.

Having few memories of his parents, he found comfort in establishing a loving and lasting familial foundation of his own. Never one to shy away from a meal, Eddie looked forward to his weekly breakfast outings with his son. Family gatherings were always enjoyable, especially the occasional toast with his grandchildren. He had a particular quiet strength and quick wit about himself that made time spent with him pleasant.

Eddie was well-known for sayings like “Wrong number” upon answering a phone call and “How you be?” when greeting family and friends in person. Two of his favorite pastimes were watching baseball and westerns.

Living 93 years, Eddie quietly passed away on January 15,2026.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Eddie Mae, his siblings George Horn and Jean Marie Horn, his daughter, Pamela Thomas, his wife, Minnie Lee Bailey, his Aunt Geneva, and Aunt Tricia.

Eddie leaves behind to mourn him, his children, Sharon Crockett, Edward Bailey, Jr., Sandra Bailey, and Danita Wright-Scott (Aaron); daughter in-love, Yulunda Bailey; his grandchildren, Ravon Crockett, Jonelle Crockett, Timonie Bailey, Edward Bailey III (Khamil), Joevonte Crockett, Janay Bailey, Damion Bailey, Curtis Thomas III, Rachel Scott, Maryam Scott, Sarah Scott, Joshua Scott, Harun Abdul-Ali, Jamilah Scott; his great-grandchildren, Jontrell Crockett, Maria Roscoe, Brian Moore, Julian Harris, Kai Bailey, Edward Bailey IV, Kendall Bailey, Lola Turner, Jax Turner, Micaelah Prince (Adrian), Harlem Young; his great-great grandchildren Journi Crockett, Jermani Crockett, and a hosts of family and friends.