Mr. Manuel Pierce Bailey, affectionately known by many as Cowboy, 56, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, GA.

The celebration of life service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church with Dr. Phil Pilgrim officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Rees Funeral Home.

Friends and family of honor include employees and members of Mike Thornton Trucking, Fernacres Farm, Gideons International, and the Lincoln County Class of '87.

Manuel was the son of Herbert Wills Bailey, Sr. and Patricia McCurry Partridge. He enjoyed several different jobs while driving a truck, built boat docks at Brown and Reese, played in the dirt at Fernacres Farm, and lovingly labored as a diesel mechanic for many years. He was later called into the ministry where he also served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church until God called him home. Manuel was a grill master and, along with Mercedes, loved cooking for their family and friends. He also had a passion for fishing which provided relaxation while undergoing cancer treatment.

Manuel was survived by his beloved wife, Mercedes H. Bailey, adored sister, Penny B. Roberson, and husband, Mark Saggus of Washington, step-sister, Mary Ellen Partridge of Evans; brother-in-laws, Brett Hardin of Ft. Worth, Tx; Scott Hardin of Alabaster, Al; four nieces: Patricia Bailey, Toni R. Callaway, and husband, Tom, Abby Bailey Milner; and Jessica Hardin of Arlington, Va; two nephews: Jason Bailey and wife, Jessica of Tignall, Scotty Roberson and wife, Mandy of Lincolnton; two step-nephews: Owen Brantley and Jonas Brantley; and a bunch of precious great nieces and nephews . Two uncles, G. Pierce McCurry and wife, Jill of Dunedin, FL, and Winston Bailey and wife, Patsy of Washington; a host of cousins and stepmother, Donna Bailey, of Washington, Ga. As well as many special others we call family, among them, Mickey and Beth Reville, Marc and Sonja Danner, Joseph and Sheri Hawes, George and Rebekah Remsen, and Richard and Jody Norris.

Manuel  was also preceded in death along with his parents and stepfather, Harry Partridge, by two brothers, Patrick Bailey and Herbie Bailey, Jr.; sister-in-law, Mary Bailey; brother-in-law, Rodney Roberson, and cherished in-laws, Bill and Ann Hardin.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 5350 Hwy 220 East, Lincolnton, GA 30817, or to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 592, Lincolnton, GA 30817.

You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.reesfuneralhome.net .

Rees Funeral Home, 195 N Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA 706-359-3222 would like to thank the Bailey family for your trust and confidence to serve you during this difficult time.