John Lawrence Bailey, 73, of Ashland, passed away Friday, October 8, 2021, at home after a longbattle with Lewy Body Dementia, lung cancer and heart failure. He was born April 7, 1948, in Ashland, the second son of Lace Robert Bailey, Jr., and MarthaTucker Bailey. He was preceded in death by both his parents, as well as his brother, RobertFranklin Bailey. He married Vonnie Anne Tinsley on February 28, 1976, eloping after his divorce from hisprevious wife was finalized. Although many expected it to not last, he and Vonnie celebratedtheir 45th wedding anniversary this past February. He is survived by his wife Vonnie, who cared for him full time during his fight with Lewy BodyDementia. He is also survived by his son, Brad (Robin) Bailey, of Jackson, TN; two daughters,Miranda (husband, Larry) Bailey-Peetz and April Bailey, both of Springfield, as well as manynieces, nephews, and several loved cats. He was preceded in death by his son, Sean Anthony, in2019. He worked his way up to shipping department manager at Capitol Records in Jacksonville,where he worked for 23 years. He later worked for R&H Computers, later sold to Birdsells inJacksonville, as a computer technician. He loved taking old computers apart and rebuildingthem for those who had a need for a computer but not the finances. In 2012, the day before his birthday, he was notified that he had received a full pardon fromthen-Governor Pat Quinn. His petition for his pardon, drawn up by his daughter Miranda withhelp from lawyer Todd Goebel, was presented to him as a Christmas gift several years earlier toremove a felony he committed when he was 19. After a six-month stay in prison, he vowednever to return, not even getting so much as a parking ticket since his release. He also loved to rescue stray cats or adopting unwanted cats from the Animal ProtectiveLeague. At one point, they cared for 16 cats, all named after Harry Potter characters. His love forthe Harry Potter books and movies, shared with his daughter April, led to many trips to theWizarding World, as well as his introduction to cosplaying Harry Potter characters during thosetrips. He was proud of his Celtic roots as his daughter Miranda discovered more about his familyhistory, attending local Highland Games and wearing his kilt during his daughters wedding andas often as he could afterwards to church services and the like. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 15, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at South Side ChristianChurch with Pastor Brandon Moore officiating. A wake will be held at 12:00 p.m. prior to theservice. Private family graveside services will follow at Yatesville Cemetery in Prentice, Illinois.Donations in his name may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or to Prairie HeartInstitute. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to buchanancody.com. Visitation South Side Christian Church Friday, October 15, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 2600 South MacArthur Blvd Springfield, IL 62704 Funeral Service South Side Christian Church Friday, October 15, 2021 1:00 PM 2600 South MacArthur Blvd Springfield, IL 62704