Adam Richard Bailey

Adam Richard Bailey

Adam Richard Bailey, age 48, of Columbus, OH, died tragically when he was struck by a vehicle on November 4, 2019. He was born to Richard and Ann (Schwieterman/Green) Bailey on December 16, 1970 in Toledo, OH. He grew up in Sylvania, OH with his two siblings, Whitney and Owen. After graduating from Sylvania Northview High School in 1989, Adam attended Ohio State University and found a new hometown in Columbus. He worked for Hirschvogel Automotive the past several years.  

Adam was a wanderer. He loved to travel and to share his adventures. In everyday life, he was, like his mom, always up for a good game. One of his favorites was sending a photo and making his family guess where he had trekked off to this time. A loving son, thoughtful brother, and fun uncle, Adam always had stories and treats to share, never showing up empty-handed and never forgetting the small, special things that mattered to the people he loved.  

Following his father’s early death, also at age 48, he was always visiting his mom and asking how he could be of help. His giving, compassionate nature didn’t stop there. Inside his reserved facade, Adam was all heart and would do anything for anyone. Really.  

In 2002, Adam fell instantly in love and began what would be his greatest adventure in life when his son, Griffin, was born. Adam finally found his purpose and his true north in being Griffin’s dad; it was his everything. A talented athlete growing up, visiting Fenway Park was a dream come true for Adam. He couldn’t wait to share his love of sports with his son, especially his love of baseball and the Boston Red Sox, so Adam and Griffin soon set off on a grand tour of America’s ballparks. Baseball was just the beginning. The pair traveled from ballpark to waterpark to amusement park to zoo. As Griffin grew into his own, Adam began to let him lead the way.   

Adam and Griffin began a whole new set of adventures together exploring nature, hiking trails, and camping under the stars. This more primitive path was a fitting nod to Adam’s affection for low-tech living. No cable, no computer, no internet. He was about paper books, fold-up maps, phone calls instead of text messages, and taking the time to watch the sunrise. Adam was about embracing all there is to see, hear, and feel in this life, and he passed on that appreciation to those around him.  

This past summer brought what would be one of Adam and Griffin’s last and biggest adventures together - a trip out west. Fittingly, the two were still exploring just an hour before Adam’s untimely death. They hiked their last hike at Camp Lazarus, a local Boy Scout camp and home to Griffin’s wildlife program. Although Adam’s time with us was too short, Griffin will no doubt carry on his love for the simple things and his free-spirited sense of adventure, as will all who knew him.  

Adam is survived by his son and best friend, Griffin Bailey of Worthington; mother and stepfather, Ann and Ken Green of Sylvania, OH; sister, Whitney (Tom) Brennan of Sylvania, OH; brother, Owen (Nicholl) Bailey of Rome City, IN; nieces and nephews, Reese and Max Brennan and Hannah, Aubrie, and Logen Bailey. Adam was preceded in death by his father, Richard Bailey.  

Family and friends are invited to remember Adam on Saturday, November 16 from 12:00-4:00 at The Olander Park System’s Nederhouser Community Hall, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Griffin’s education fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/griffin-education-fund

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