Suffolk—Robert Earl "Nick" Bailey, 91, of Lighthouse Drive, passed away on August 31, 2026.  Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the second of three children born to the late Charles A. and Bessie M. Bailey.

Nick grew up in Newtown area of Portsmouth, and after graduation from Wilson High School entered the Apprentice Program at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and retired as a combat systems engineer in the Combat Systems Department.  He was highly regarded for his technical ability by his peers and supervisors alike.  In his younger years he enjoyed playing tennis, but he was known for being able to build and fix anything.  Together with friends and family, he built his house on Lighthouse Drive.

Nick will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle and friend.  Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Megan Jackson (Direll), Morgan Gavin and Brennan Gavin (Victoria); great-grandchildren, Christian, Cara, Chloe and Direll, Jr., Jackson, Kaleigh Boals, Abbigail and Olivia Breuhl, David Lethig, Braydon, Mila and Emerie Gavin; great-great-granddaughter Azariah; and nephews, nieces and friends.

In addition to his parents, Nick was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Alice Blanche Kilpatrick Bailey; his son, Robert Edward Bailey; more recently his daughter, Beth Anne Gavin; and his brothers, Russell A. Bailey and James B. Bailey.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth.  A graveside service will be held 11:00  a.m. Wednesday, September 9, at All Saints Catholic Cemetery on Elm Avenue.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.