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Judy Maxwell (1971)
John Weldon Bailey, age 78, of Crockett passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at his home. Weldon was born October 6, 1942 in Pasadena to parents, Joseph Weldon Bailey and Opal Irene Friday Bailey. He was the middle of five children, growing up Trinity then moving to Westville, TX where all seven lived behind a store. Weldon said he did not remember wearing shoes until the sixth grade. The family then moved to the Woodlake Trading Post outside of Groveton, he attended primary school there then moved to Houston attending Burbank Jr High School and graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1961. During high school, he took mechanic classes but worked as a meat cutter nights and weekends. Weldon served in the United States Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Brenda Sue Boyette, they made plans to elope to St. Louis where he was stationed but plans changed when Brenda’s oldest sister, Wanda, found out. He returned to Houston alone but they were married two months later enjoying 51 years of marriage together.
Weldon opened his first business in Houston near Northline Mall in 1969 next opened a 66 Station on Canino Road in the early 1970’s. He realized his true calling was auto repairs opening his own shop on Little York and Airline making many lasting friendships. In 1979, Weldon and Brenda made the decision to move to Crockett after selling his business in Houston. He worked for Jim Ulrich from 1980 to 1983 but feeling the need to be his own boss again, he purchased the Goodyear Franchise operating from 1983 to 1988 then deciding to go independent, opened Weldon Bailey’s Auto Center on Loop 304 East where it continues today.
Weldon loved anything with a motor and it was not unusual to find him at the racetrack as he had a passion for drag racing owning several cars including ’55 Chevy also a couple of corvettes affectionately named “Transmission Eater” and “Squirrelly”. In 1979, he purchased the 1968 Nova with 4000 miles on it, today still same mileage 50 years later. Weldon was referred to as Bump with racing due to the car bumper touching the ground after a wheelly. He won his class in the NHRA Winter Nationals in Pomona, California along with several other NHRA division races. Racing in Porter, TX for many years, it was not unheard of to race in one state on Saturday and other on Sunday being paid by racetracks to make appearances. Weldon went from drag racing for trophies to BBQ cook-offs with his best friend, the late Jimmy Wages, building the pit of their dreams in 1994. Never a dull moment with these two, they turned BBQ cooking into large parties and family gatherings also making their rounds to all contests from Lovelady Lovefest to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Contest to the Meridian World Championships. Sometime winning, sometimes not, but ALWAYS a wonderful party either way.
Weldon has been a member of the Crockett Elks Lodge since 1980 holding several offices including Secretary, Vice President and Exalted Ruler locally and State Vice President of the East District where he was over five lodges, also was District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of Texas, still a member to this day.
Weldon and Brenda have three beautiful children, Stacy Lynn born December 7, 1970, Melanie Sue born February 23, 1972 and Jeffrey Weldon born August 2 1975. In 1993, Weldon “ Bump” Bailey gained a new and his favorite name “Poppy” to Justin, Jenifer, Mandie, Emily, Riley, Taylor, Jaime and Lexie who became his new loves, these still think going to Poppy and Bebe’s house is still the most fun getaway.
Weldon is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Boyette Bailey; daughters, Stacy Lynn Dise and husband, Jerry, Melanie Sue Cotyk and husband, Jim; son, Jeffrey Weldon Bailey; grandchildren, Justin, Emily, Riley, Taylor, Jaime, Lexi, Jenifer and husband, Joel, Mandie and husband, Blake; great-grandsons, Deacon and Asher; sisters, Mae McGann and husband, Mike, Sue Gumm and husband, Ray; sister-in-law, Joy Taylor and husband, Joe; host of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by parents, Joseph Weldon and Opal Irene Friday Bailey; brothers, Hayne Bailey and Jimmy Bailey, father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Juanita Boyette; sisters-in-law, Nora Bailey, Wanda Box; and brother-in-law, Brian Box.
Memorial services for John Weldon Bailey will be held at 12 noon Saturday, January 16, 2021 in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crockett Elks Lodge or the American Legion.
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