Pheofless Eugene Bailey

Pheofless “Gig/Teddy” E. Bailey was born on August 7, 1949, in Foley, Alabama, to Mary Williams. His journey took him from Alabama to McNary, Arizona, where he moved with his beloved “Uncle Buster,” Howard Williams Sr., to work at Southwest Lumber Mills. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eva Mae Daniel. They married on September 21, 1969, in Concho, Arizona, and built a beautiful life together.

After the McNary lumber yard fire in 1979, Gig relocated his family to Phoenix, Arizona, in search of better opportunities. He dedicated 30 years of hard work to Stone Containers before retiring at the young age of 55 due to health concerns. Though life brought its share of changes—joy, and many laughs, with his heart always found its way back to Eva in 1990, he rekindled his love and cherished her until her passing on January 23, 2020.

A true fighter, Gig, was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in October 2015 and, against all odds, triumphed over the disease in April 2016. He remained cancer-free for nearly a decade until its return in April 2024. Rather than undergoing further treatment, he chose to embrace life on his own terms. In July 2024, he packed his bags and moved to Illinois with his daughter Jackqueline and continuing to live life to the fullest. In January 2025, he traveled to Fairfield, California, to spend quality time with his oldest daughter, Cheryl McDonald, before returning to Illinois in March, just days before his passing.

Gig/Ted cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, embracing life with his energetic and vibrant personality. He found joy in playing cards, riding bikes with his grandkids, and using his creativity to design their Halloween costumes. Always ready with sound advice and a quick joke, he brought laughter and wisdom to those around him. Known for his generosity and playful charm, he never missed an opportunity to share a kind word—or a friendly flirt—with everyone he met.

On March 11, 2025, at the age of 75, Gig passed away peacefully in Peoria, Illinois, leaving behind a lifetime of love, resilience, and unforgettable memories. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of strength, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by MaryBell Williams-Debose (mother), Eva Bailey (Wife) Alto Daniel (Father-in-Law), Ida Wolfe (sister-in-law), Frankie Bailey(son), Jimmy Lee Taylor (son-in-law) Dewayne Russell (nephew) and Alton DeShawn Daniel (nephew), Richard Brown (brother-in-law), Clark Davis (brother-in-law), Altoe Daniel “Toe” (brother -in-law), Delbert Dean Daniel (brother in law), Walter Daniel (brother in law), Nonnie Dubose(Brother), Carolyn Dubose Gildersleeve, Boonie Jean Williams (cousin/sister).

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by Linda Harris, Cheryl McDonald (Anthony), Richmond Bailey, Jackqueline Davis, and Linda Black (Christopher), bonus daughter Dawn Burton (Derek) as well as his daughter-in-law, Denise Bailey. His brother, Elmer (Bro) Bailey (Valerie) his sister Tina Patterson. His legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren: Dominique Bailey, Bryttney Bailey, Mary Callico, Anna Beck (Andrew), KeEra Bailey, Bryantee Bailey-Williams (Michael), Lamar Callico (Alexander), Richmond Jr. Bailey, Nia Black, Destiny and Deserae Sarzoza, Destinee and Desirae Burton, Anandi McDonald, and Julius McDonald. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Khora Lei and Brandon Jr.

Through he may have left this world, GIG spirit will continue to shine brightly the lives he touched and the memories he created. His funny jokes and laughter that gave everyone a presence of forever that will be cherished.