Michael Thomas Bailey, nephew of Norma Hubbard, died peacefully in his sleep at his West Beach Drive home early Monday morning October 13, 2025 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Michael was born on February 19, 1950 in New Orleans, LA.  He was the first child born to his parents, Frances Grace Bailey and Edgar Eugene Bailey of New Orleans.  When Michael's parent died, his Aunt Norma Hubbard brought he and his little sister, Francesca Bailey home to Panama City, to love and cherish.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandparents, Catherine & Charles Grace, aunt, Marlene Grace, all of New Orleans and his paternal grandparents, Bertha Padgett Bailey & Edgar Eugene Bailey Sr. of Arlington, VA. He is survived by his aunt, Norma Hubbard; his sister, Francesca Bailey and a brother, Matthew Bailey.

Michael was educated at Saint Matthias Catholic Scholl in New Orleans; and went to Redemptorist Catholic High for boys.  During summer vacations Michael, as a teenager was such a great swimmer and diver, that he became a volunteer lifeguard at Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans.  He started swimming at age four.  During his high school years Michael became a certified scuba diver; he participated in spear-fishing rodeos and belonged to several scuba diving clubs, such as the Aqua Aces.

While still a teenager, he attended New Orleans School of Scuba Diving and earned a Certificate of Diving.  He also enjoyed charter boat excursions and regular fishing trips.  And most of all, anything to do with swimming, fishing and diving; whatever involved the water.  His professional diving ambitions ended with a diving accident.  Michael loved everything in sports, especially football, basketball, baseball, car racing, and horse racing.

Michael loved to recite the Our Father and is now at peace in heaven with God.  Michael's favorite saying was Jesus is the BEST!

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30-10 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations can be made to the Council on Aging in memory of Michael.

A very special thank you to Dr. Daffin and his staff, the doctors and nurses at Bay Medical, Elder Care, Home Helpers, and all the caregivers who helped take care of Michael through his entire illness. And also the wonderful folks at Council on Aging for all their love and support.

To view a live stream of the service please click the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/UYfW1iqY5jE?feature=shared