James Harry Gailey

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mr. James Harry Gailey, age 73 of Cleveland. Mr. Gailey passed away Monday, December 14, 2009 at his residence following a sudden illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 17, 2009 from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Leon Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery

Mr. Gailey was born on February 24, 1936 in Hall County to the late Britton Lockhart Gailey and Vivian Haynes Gailey. He served with honor in the United States Navy. After his discharge form the Navy, Mr. Gailey owned and operated the Clermont Shell Station and later owned and operated various auto dealerships and salvage yards . Mr. Gailey had a love of cars and racing, his love for racing began in California where he raced with such well know drivers as Richard Petty and Bobby Allison and locally he was well known for his competitive spirit. He was of the Congregational Holiness Faith

Survivors include his wife, Betty Barrett, Cleveland; son, Jimmy Gailey, Clermont; step daughter, Barbara Pittman, Cleveland, step son & daughter in law , Jerry & Monica Hamilton, Clarkesville, Joey & Lisa Barrett, Cleveland; brother and sister in law, Mike & Pat Gailey, Cleveland; sister & brother in law, Jane & J.K. Crumley, Clermont; mother of his son and husband, Darlene & Joe Clark, Clermont as well as a host of nieces and nephews

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday afternoon and evening from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, flowers will be acknowledged or memorial donations may be made to the Charles Smithgall Humane Society, P.O. Box 2090, Cleveland, Georgia 30528

Guestbook is available online at www.alexander-funeral.com

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland is charge of arrangements