Read at the Funeral by Trevor Bailey, Earl's Son
Hello everyone, thank you for coming today. In case we haven’t had the chance to meet, I’m Trevor, and I’m proud to say I’m Earl’s son.
My dad went home to be with the Father on January 1st—something that still feels surreal to say, especially when he feels like he’s only a call or a text away.
Dad was many things, but first and foremost, he was a man of God who loved his family deeply. He was a friend to many, and one of the smartest, hardest-working people you could ever meet. He was kind and constant—the type of loyal man and friend many people hope to know. He loved to travel and was a master trip-planner. He had many hobbies and interests, one of his favorites being orchestrating his annual Christmas light show, which evolved into a ministry for him over time—bringing joy to anyone who had the chance to see it.
Dad had a beautiful heart. He faithfully served in the church nursery, gave his time to neighborhood HOAs, ran the chains for the high school football team—years after Alexa and I had graduated—and helped start a ministry that worked on cars for widows and for the wives of deployed servicemen. Dad showed up—for our family and for others. He lived fully as a protector and provider, was humble and quick to apologize, and modeled integrity and gentleness in a way that left a lasting impression, especially in how he loved our family.
He showed up for us in countless ways. As a leader, coach, and teacher, he attended nearly all of our practices, games, and cheerleading competitions, and business ventures. He taught us how to fish, shoot, fix things, wield tools, swing a bat, throw a ball, ride bikes, and wear helmets. But more importantly, he taught us how to love others through service; how to practice integrity, discipline, honesty, and chivalry; how to show courtesy and respect. These virtues and the fruits of the Spirit weren’t just things he believed in, they were things he lived out daily. He left a deep and formative mark on me and on our entire family, one we are profoundly thankful for and committed to carrying forward.
Dad was driven. Whatever role he took on—automotive technician, educator, training coordinator, education partnerships manager, chief Christmas light installer, master DIYer, pit master & cook, or coach—he pushed himself constantly to not only learn, but to master. He was a perfectionist and would rather do something the right way or not at all. He didn’t opt for shortcuts. He had a deep passion for learning and a natural gift for teaching others. He always challenged himself to be better in skill and character. He worked tirelessly and with honor for our family and pursued excellence. Colossians 3:23 speaks of working with all your heart, as if unto the Lord, and my dad embodied that principle at a remarkable level.
A simple but telling example of Dad’s selflessness is the car he chose to drive for over ten years. Despite being perhaps the most mechanically inclined person on earth, he drove a Pontiac Vibe—an unremarkable, unexciting, low-torque, conversation-ending kind of car. Not because of the thrill, obviously, but because he consistently put his family and others first. Something as small as his daily driver simply didn’t matter to him. I apologize to any proud Pontiac Vibe owners—it really was a great car to us.
For all who were fortunate enough to truly know Dad, we are incredibly grateful for the mark he left and the lessons he taught us. Saying goodbye is deeply difficult, and it’s overwhelming to convey how much he is and will be missed. We will also certainly miss his signature pork ribs and unrivaled biscuits and gravy.
Our family cannot adequately express the gratitude we feel for the love and support we’ve received from every direction. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared stories or photos, provided meals, served us and made the effort to be here today. God has truly been good to us in one of the hardest seasons of our lives. We have been deeply blessed—by Him, and by all of you. Thank you.