Joseph T. “Joe” Bailey passed away on September 15, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 87 years old and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cora Faye Bailey, their children Anne (married to Aline Lindbeck) and Michael Bailey (married to Caroline), grandchildren Samuel and Elizabeth Bailey, and brother Carl C. Bailey Jr.. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Carl C. Bailey Sr., and an infant son, Christopher.
Born on October 16, 1937, in Clemson, South Carolina, Joe pursued higher education in ceramic engineering, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a Master’s degree in 1960 from Clemson University. He also served in the Army ROTC, which led to his commissioning as a Lieutenant in the US Army Ordnance Corps in 1960. His military career included a posting at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, where he met Faye. The couple married in 1962.
After their marriage, Joe began a notable career in the corporate sector, starting at the American Lava Corporation, a subsidiary of 3M, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He briefly left to obtain a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering from Ohio State University in 1966. Upon completion, he returned to Chattanooga, where he and Faye raised their family.
In 1974, Joe was transferred to 3M headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, he adapted to the region’s cold winters, enjoying outdoor activities like snowmobiling in winter and boating in summer. Joe’s dedication to his work culminated in his role as Vice President of Research and Development for the Industrial and Consumer Sector. His career spanned 38 years, during which he traveled extensively, claiming proficiency in ordering a beer in at least five languages.
After retiring in 2000, Joe and Faye relocated to their dream home on Lake Keowee, near Clemson. He relished the time spent with family, hosting boating outings, tending to his garden, and attending Clemson Tigers football games. Joe remained connected to his alma mater, serving on several advisory boards and becoming a member of the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Outstanding Engineers and Scientists.
In 2022, Joe and Faye returned to Minnesota to be closer to their daughter, Anne. Throughout his life, Joe exemplified vitality and community spirit. He continued to enjoy dining out, exercising, and caring for Faye, who was in memory care. Joe was well-regarded for his kindness and ability to forge new friendships, even later in life.
A funeral service was held in South Carolina in October 2025, with a memorial service planned for the Twin Cities in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimers Association, honoring Joe’s legacy of love and commitment to family.
