Ernest Thaxton Bailey

Name: Visitation
Start: 12/29/2025 01:00 PM
End: 12/29/2025 02:00 PM
Location: Smith Family Funeral Home

December 24, 1963 — December 22, 2025

Benton

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Ernest Thaxton Bailey, 61 of Benton, passed away peacefully on December 22, surrounded by loved ones. He was born December 24, 1963 in St Louis Missouri to the late Raymond and Alice Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Donna and Teresa.

Survivors include his daughters: Payton Bailey of Benton, Arkansas and Savannah (Kris) Knoedl of Lindale Texas; son, Cody Bailey of Salem, Missouri; four grandchildren: Bryan and Bella Dawson, and Lane and Ainsley Knoedl; as well as a host of siblings, nieces, and nephews.

He touched many lives with his humor and unwavering spirit.

The family would like to thank the physician’s and staff at CHI St. Vincent of Hot Springs for their compassion and care during this time.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM, Monday, December 29, with funeral service, officiated by Gary Stapleton, following at 2:00 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Fowler Cemetery with Kris, Lane, Bryan, Cody, Destiny, and Marty serving as pallbearers.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest Thaxton Bailey, please visit our flower store.

Make a donation to Spinal Cord Society in memory of Ernest Thaxton Bailey

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