Honoring the legacy of Earl H. Bailey '66

Earl H. Bailey, Jr. '66, D.Min. — a husband and father, an evangelist, alumnus, and retired board member of Malone University — went home to be with the Lord on May 27 at the age of 83.

“I’ve known Earl and the Bailey family for most of my life and I have been so inspired by watching him live out three of his passions: sharing the Gospel, leading his family, and serving Malone,” said Stephen Weingart '88, vice president for university advancement at Huntington University. “He was a humble man, and always encouraging — regardless of what else was happening in his life. He was truly one-of-a-kind.”

He received his Bachelor of Arts from Malone, and later completed a Master of Divinity degree at Ashland Seminary and received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Theological Seminary.

After working in youth ministry, he was led to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Canton Township. There he served as pastor, pressing on even when, in 1978, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In 1984, he reached a point where he was no longer able to keep up with the pastoral demands of a vital, growing church. A lesser man might simply have given up altogether, but not Earl Bailey.

His passion for ministry led him to found Earl Bailey Ministries in Evangelism, Inc.

"What the enemy undoubtedly intended for evil, God surely has used for good. For out of this new vision grew the Word for the World International radio ministry," he said.

This full-time evangelistic ministry gave him opportunities to travel and share the Gospel across the United States and internationally, including repeated visits to the Holy Land (Israel).

His congregation now populates the globe; he received letters from listeners representing more than 160 countries — all grateful for the fact that one man faithfully and obediently continued to serve the Lord in spite of great pain and physical challenges. As his ministry grew and changed, he knew that there was no such thing as “retirement;” he just wanted to continue serving the Lord in whatever capacity he could.

“Many people referred to him as Dr. Bailey, but to me he will always be Pastor Bailey,” said J. Larry Durstine '73, Ph.D., distinguished professor emeritus, University of South Carolina. “I first met him when I was a young boy, shortly after my father — my best friend — died in a car accident. We crossed paths in a small, rural church and he befriended me. As he learned my story, he helped me understand how to remain steady in my Christian walk during some of my most formative years. He helped me resist being angry about the loss in my life and, likely unbeknownst to him, he gave me hope, confidence, and faith. Our paths crossed again years later, and that feeling of relief and excitement — that God puts people in our lives to help us understand, accept, and move forward — returned to me as it did all those years ago. I’m forever grateful for his example in my life.”

Bailey's association with Malone began in 1960 when he entered his freshman year. Upon graduation, he served as an admissions counselor for several years.

Later, as a member of the Alumni Executive Board, he also served as its president. He continued to serve his alma mater as the alumni representative to the Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2011.

In an effort to recognize him for his service to Malone, for his ministry to young people, pastoral ministry, and deep love for and lifelong commitment to evangelism, Malone announced the inauguration of The Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011— the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Board. It is intended to recognize friends, faculty, and administrators for their significant achievement professionally and for distinguished human service. Recipients inspire others to live with Pioneer spirit.

Unlike other awards initiated by the Alumni Board, this is not an annual award, but rather an award that is given only when deemed necessary and appropriate. Individuals are recognized for their exemplary foresight and courage, and for their meritorious service on behalf of the mission and advancement of Malone University.

The inaugural award is inscribed with the following: "Dr. Earl H. Bailey has a passion for ministry."

Only two others have received the award subsequently: Jack Hazen, in 2014, and Deborah (Murray) Robinson '76 and Ronald Robinson '78 in 2019.

“I always enjoyed the interactions I had with Earl when we crossed paths at Homecoming or other campus events,” said Hazen, coach emeritus. “He just exuded kindness and took Malone students under his wing when they needed it.”  

“Earl Bailey loved his Lord, loved his family, and loved preaching the Word of God,” said Deb Robinson, retired director of alumni relations and current Board member. “When I worked closely with him during his years of service on the Alumni Board, I witnessed firsthand the impact his evangelistic zeal had on alumni and students. Our students once gave him a standing ovation in a chapel service — before he spoke — because they were so moved by the description of his ministry and quotes from testimonials for people around the globe.”

Other awards were bestowed on him on numerous occasions. Malone University awards include the Certificate of Merit, the Distinguished Service Award, and, in 1990, the Alumnus of the Year award.

In January, 2003, he received the coveted "Phillip Award" from the National Association of United Methodist Evangelists, joining past recipients Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, Corrie Ten Boom, Robert Coleman, Bill Bright, Chuck Swindoll, and Franklin Graham. That same year, he was presented the "Denman Award," named after the global lay evangelist Harry Denman.

“Earl Bailey shows us all what it means to finish well,” said Malone President Greg Miller. “He modeled Christian steadfastness to our community for so many years and I have no doubt that he has now heard the words we long to hear, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”

Earl and his wife, Judy (Ferguson) '66, were married in 1966. They have three sons and daughters-in-law, several of whom also attended Malone: Matthew (Stacey), Benjamin (Monique), Christopher (Sally), and seven grandchildren.