Eric Smith
Mr. Bailey was a good man. From 1999 to 2004, I was the only Black person living in Hedley, Texas, and I’ll never forget the way he treated me. He ran the store across the highway, and every time I stepped in, he showed me nothing but kindness and respect. I was just a 16-year-old kid, but he trusted me enough to let me charge a few items when I didn’t have it. That kind of trust—especially at that age, and in that place—meant something. I never wanted to let him down, so I always paid what I owed.
Although I was the only Black person in town at the time, Hedley never felt unwelcoming. It was a small, mostly white town—but the people there showed me kindness, and it felt like home.
I didn’t even know he had passed until today. He’s been heavy on my heart, and as I was thinking back to the time I met my wife—who’s also from Hedley—his name came to mind. Something told me to look him up, and that’s how I found out he’s no longer with us.
Blessings to his family. Thank you, Mr. Bailey, for the few years I had the honor to know you. The fact that I’m 40 years old now and still thinking about your impact says everything about the kind of man you were.
God bless you Sir, and may you rest in Heaven. 🙏🏾
—Eric Smith
