Broadus "Beetle" Bailey

Broadus “Beetle” Bailey, 75, of Albany, died Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, GA. 

His memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Mathews Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Andersonville National Cemetery with Military Honors. Mr. Ross Powell will officiate. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service.

Born in Colquitt, GA, to the late Lilla Dean Bailey and Issac Andrew Bailey, he was the youngest of six children. He grew up and lived most of his life in the Albany area.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1975, when he was honorably discharged- most notably serving his country in the Vietnam War as a combat medic. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “Beetle.”

Upon returning home, he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management from Darton College and met his lovely wife, Judy, while they both worked at W.T. Grant Distribution. For many years, he worked in the distribution/logistics industry operating forklifts and serving in shipping/receiving roles for various companies, including Moore Business Forms and contracts at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, where he ultimately retired.

Often described as a man of few words, he was a homebody who lived a simple life. If you engaged in conversation with him, he was a great listener and would usually reply with, “You got that right,” or “I heard that.” You could often find him drinking coffee while reading the newspaper or a good western book. He loved watching football and was a diehard Georgia Bulldogs fan. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing the GA Lottery, taking care of his animals, and spending time with his family. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and the best papa around. He was deeply loved by all who knew him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Judy Bailey; his children, Brian Ashley Bailey (Jenifer Moore) and Caitlin Bailey (George Soutar); his grandchildren, Hailey Wallace (Alex), Bain Allen Bailey, and Mallorie Moore; his grand pups, Riley and Henry; his great-grandson, Asher Hayes Wallace; his sister, Janice Page; a host of nieces and nephews; and his Fur babies, Zoey, Dubs, and all of his yard cats.