2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 144
Celebrating the life of Purcell G. Bailey.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, February 26, 2026
WHEREAS, Purcell G. Bailey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, honorable veteran, accomplished businessman and home designer, and longtime member of the Surry County community, died on February 8, 2026; and
WHEREAS, born and raised in Surry County, Purcell Bailey attended the former Surry County Training School in Dendron and spent time working with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Williamsburg before he was drafted into the United States Army in January 1943; and
WHEREAS, Purcell Bailey served his country with honor and distinction during World War II, achieving the rank of technician fourth grade sergeant before he was discharged in December 1945; and
WHEREAS, following his service, Purcell Bailey worked a series of jobs in Surry County for some time before finding his calling as an interior decorator and studying the trade in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Purcell Bailey relocated to the St. Albans neighborhood in the Queens borough of New York City, where he owned and operated a successful interior decorating company for several years, which served both city, state, and federal entities, as well as famous musicians such as Count Basie and James Brown; and