Hurt……Elmo Charlie Bailess, age 92 of Hurt died Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Salem VA Medical Center.

Born March 17, 1929 in Hurt, VA, he was a son of the late Charlie Brumfield Bailess and Audrey Farmer Bailess.  He was predeceased by three sisters, Ruth Bailess Mays, Reba Bailess Anthony, and Eugenia Bailess DeLappe Gammon.  Mr. Bailess was an Army Veteran of Korea where he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  He was a retired supervisor with Klopman Mills and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.  He was a former Sunday School Secretary at the church and at one point he had perfect Sunday School attendance for over 13 consecutive years.  He loved his family; and enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Janie Short Bailess of the residence; two daughters, Laverne Bailess Betterton and husband, Tommy of Gretna, and Beth Bailess Farmer of Altavista; two grandchildren, Travis Wayne Betterton (Samantha) of Gretna, and Kelly Betterton Barker (Phillip) of Hurt; and four great-grandchildren, Devin Barker, Mason Barker, Lucas Barker, and Trent Betterton.

Graveside services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Altavista Memorial Park by Rev. Brady Willis.  Military Honors by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232.

The family will receive friends at the residence.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to New Prospect Baptist Church, P.O. Box 547, Hurt, VA 24563.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .