Joseph T. “Joe” Bailey passed away on September 15, 2025, after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy marked by dedication to family, education, and a remarkable professional career. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cora Faye Bailey, children Anne (Aline Lindbeck) and Michael (Caroline) Bailey, 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 at Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1959 and a Master of Science in 1960, both in ceramic engineering. His commitment to service was evident early on; Joe participated in the Army ROTC and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps in 1960. He was stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, where he began his journey that would intertwine with both his personal and professional life.
It was during his time at Redstone Arsenal that Joe met his future wife, Faye. The couple married in 1962, shortly before Joe took a position with the American Lava Corporation, a subsidiary of 3M, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 38-year career at 3M. After briefly stepping away to obtain a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering from Ohio State University in 1966, Joe returned to Chattanooga to raise his family and further his career.
In 1974, Joe’s professional trajectory took him to 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he and Faye adapted to the state’s cold winters. They embraced the outdoor lifestyle, enjoying 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, where he traveled globally and developed a reputation for his adventurous palate, reportedly able to order a beer in at least five languages.
After retiring in 2000, Joe and Faye fulfilled their dream of living on Lake Keowee, near Clemson. Joe took joy in boating with family and friends, gardening, and attending Clemson Tigers football games. His contributions to the university did not cease after his graduation; Joe served on several advisory boards and was honored as 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. Even in his later years, Joe remained active, engaging in social activities, exercising at the gym, and caring for Faye, who required memory care. His commitment to family and community remained paramount, as he enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and forging new relationships.
A funeral service took place in South Carolina in October, with a memorial service planned for the Twin Cities in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring Joe’s dedication to family and community throughout his life. Joe Bailey’s legacy will be remembered by all who knew him and by the many lives he touched through his professional and personal endeavors.
