Kenneth Elvin Bailey Sr. (November 12, 1946 – February 10, 2018) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Kenneth E. Bailey Sr.
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
from the 94th district
In office
February 26, 1985 – August 27, 1991
Preceded byJohn W. Matthews Jr.
Succeeded byHeyward Groverman Hutson
Personal details
Born(1946-11-12)November 12, 1946
Eutawville, South Carolina
DiedFebruary 10, 2018(2018-02-10) (aged 71)
Resting placeEutawville, South Carolina
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Ida Lemon
(m. 1971)
Children2; Bridgetta Bailey, Kenneth Bailey Jr.
Parent(s)Peter Bailey, Annie Ruth Bailey
Alma materMorris College
South Carolina State College (M.Ed.)

Early life and military service

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Bailey was born in Eutawville, South Carolina, to Peter and Annie Ruth Bailey. He was the fourth of nine children.[1]

Bailey attended Morris College and South Carolina State College.[2] After receiving his M.Ed. from South Carolina State College, Bailey completed the requirements for a Doctor of Divinity while attending Carolina Theological Bible Institute, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Shaw University Divinity School.

Baily served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. He served in Vietnam during the war, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.[3]

Career

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After his military service, Bailey taught at Williams Memorial High School in St. George, South Carolina. During this time he joined the Eutawville Branch of the NAACP, gaining an introduction to political organizing. In 1975, he was elected the Vice Chairman of the Holly Hill School District Board, and in 1980, he was elected the South Eutawville Precinct President. He became the State Democratic Party Executive Committeeman in 1984.[1][3]

Bailey served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1985[2] to 1991.[4] He lost his seat as a result of Operation Lost Trust, after pleading guilty to accepting a $500 cash bribe and conspiracy. At the time, future Minority Leader of the State Senate, Brad Hutto, would serve as his lead defense attorney.[5][6]

Death

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Bailey died on February 10, 2018,[7][1] at the age of 71. He is buried in Eutawville, South Carolina.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "The Reverend Doctor Kenneth E. Bailey, Sr". Shuler-Marshall Funeral Home. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Legislative Manual - General Assembly of South Carolina, General Assembly of South Carolina, 1990
  3. ^ a b "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov. Archived from the original on 2024-05-14. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  4. ^ "South Carolina During the 1900s - The 109th General Assembly (1991-1992)". www.carolana.com. Archived from the original on 2022-12-25. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  5. ^ Soto, Lucy (August 25, 1991). "Prosecutors: Bailey tried to hide $500 - Representative charged with selling vote". Herald-Journal. pp. B1, B4. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  6. ^ Baxley, Colette (October 13, 1991). "Ex-legislator seeks new trial in FBI sting". The Item. pp. 8A. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  7. ^ "The Reverend Doctor Kenneth E. Bailey, Sr". Legacy. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
South Carolina House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
from the 94th district

1985–1991
Succeeded by
Heyward Groverman Hutson