Leslie "Les" Bailey

Leslie "Les" Bailey, Jr., 88, of Kingsport, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2026.

Born January 28, 1943, in Williamston, North Carolina, Les was the son of the late Leslie Wilmer Bailey, Sr. and Sarah Griffin Holiday Bailey. Les was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Les worked with the National Right to Work Foundation before moving into private practice in Southwest Virginia. He and his family settled in Kingsport in 1982, where he continued practicing law until his retirement in 2015. Known for his steady professionalism and dedication to his clients, he built a respected career that spanned decades.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Williams Bailey; two sons, Walter Forrest Bailey of Dublin, Virginia, and William Samuel Bailey of San Francisco, California; sister, Mary Rosanne Mitchell and husband Joseph of Mooresville, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Elva Harrell and husband Oscar of Williamsburg, Virginia; and other extended family members.

A private graveside service will be held for the family at Mountain Home National Cemetery, with military honors provided.