VA SJR148

Purcell G. Bailey of Surry County died on February 8, 2026, and is honored by the Virginia General Assembly for his life of service and achievement

Served in the United States Army during World War II from January 1943 to December 1945, achieving the rank of technician fourth grade sergeant

Owned and operated a successful interior decorating company in Queens, New York, with clients including government entities and musicians Count Basie and James Brown

Served as president of his local chamber of commerce in New York and master of the Crispus Attucks Lodge #60 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge

Returned to Surry County in the early 1990s and became the first president of the Surry County African American Heritage Society, also serving with the NAACP, American Legion, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks