Felix “Jazz” Bailey (8-12-14) service 8-16-14

Felix Andrew “Jazz” Bailey, 94, of Savannah, died Tuesday, Aug. 12.
He was born in Savannah, the son of the late Myrtle Ophelia Harbor Bailey and John Bailey. He was united in marriage to Clara Belle Haynes Bailey, who preceded him on death.
Felix became blind at the early age of 9; he attended the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville, where he met his future wife, Clara.
He played the trumpet in several jazz bands and toured during the summer months. To support his family he made brooms, mops and caned chairs.
He belonged to the Federation for the Blind. He did not let his handicap limit him; he organized and managed two black baseball teams in Savannah. He was a member of Graham Chapel C.M.E. Church and was a Sunday school teacher in his earlier years.
Felix is survived by two sons, Johnnie O. Bailey of Bowling Green, Ky., and Larry A. Bailey of Savannah; two daughters, Carolyn Taylor and Bobbie Robinson, both of Savannah; 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, George Bailey; a sister, Johnie Mae Murrell; two daughters, Myrtle C. Dixon and Susan L. Harris; and two grandchildren.
Services were held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah with Gallian Fulton officiating. Burial followed in Memory Gardens at Savannah.