Rev. David Lee Bailey Sr.

Rev. David L. Bailey, Sr., 88 passed away suddenly on February 8, 2024. Born in Salem, NJ, on November 12, 1935, Dave was the son of Clarence S. and Stella M. (nee: Ridenour) Bailey. Dave’s childhood was spent in Penns Grove, NJ and he graduated in 1953 from Penns Grove High School (ReHi). Dave is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Eileen, brother Pierson, his daughter, Elizabeth Jean Bailey, his son, Assemblyman David L. Bailey, Jr. (Julie), grandchildren Emilee Dalessio, Gillian Bailey, Michael Dalessio, Colin Bailey and Katelyn Bailey along with his loving nieces, nephews, family members and countless friends. Dave was predeceased by his brothers, Clarence and Frank, sisters Doris, Sarah and Baby Jean and his daughter, Lee Ann. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland (McDaniel) College, Westminster, MD and his Master of Divinity from Crozer Chester Seminary, in Chester, PA. He began his call to the ministry as a United Methodist Minister at Aldine UMC, also serving at Pitman UMC, 4th UMC in Bridgeton and Hancock’s Bridge UMC. Dave had the gift of evangelism and ministering to youth at Malaga Camp and IYPC Poco summer camps. In 1958 Dave accepted the opportunity given to him by Paul Alger to host a live, daily radio show on WSNJ in Bridgeton. His original program, The Wondrous Story, has been heard every day for the past sixty-five years. In 1962, Dave accepted a new calling and founded the nonprofit ministry of Ranch Hope, Inc. located on a 200-acre property in Alloway, New Jersey. With a heart full of compassion and unwavering faith, Dave embarked on a journey to uplift and transform the lives of children with the creation of this healing community, a sanctuary where countless hearts have found solace, strength, and the chance to rewrite their stories. The first youth arrived on May 5, 1964. For many years, Dave led the Ranch Hope Hopefuls, a Christian choral group that performed concerts throughout the Delaware Valley in support of Ranch Hope, Inc. Dave loved Salem County where he lived his entire life. He served the greater community through the Wistarburg Ruritan Club, Rotary Club of Salem, Salem County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Penns Grove Historical Society Board of Directors, Penns Grove Public Library Board of Directors, National Religious Broadcasters Association, Pennsville National Bank Board Member, South Seaville Camp Meeting Association Board and Little League Coach. Dave was an avid Philadelphia, Penn State, South Carolina, and Temple University sports fan as well as a fan of all of his grandchildren’s activities. A member of Aldine UMC, Dave continued to serve as a guest evangelist, hosting weekend retreats and pulpit supply to local churches throughout South Jersey up until his death. Dave was the embodiment of hope itself, a word he defined as “an expectation of success.” In honoring his memory, let us continue to uphold the values he so passionately lived by, spreading love, kindness, and hope to all. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Dave’s memory to Ranch Hope, Inc., PO Box 325, Alloway, New Jersey, 08001-0325. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday night, February 16, 2024, from 4 until 7 PM at the Adams Funeral Home, 64 Broad St., Woodstown, NJ 08098. On Saturday morning, February 17, 2024, all services will be held at the Lee Ann Bailey Memorial Chapel, 45 Sawmill Rd. Alloway, NJ 08005. The memorial visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with the service starting at 11 AM. Burial will be private. www.adamsfuneralhome.org

Rev. David Lee Bailey Sr.

November 12, 1935 - February 8, 2024

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Rev. David Lee Bailey Sr.

November 12, 1935 - February 8, 2024

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