ATHENS- It is with a heavy heart that our family announces the passing of John Bail on May 8th, 2025, after a life richly lived in service, ministry and kindness.
John was born on the 3rd of May in 1941 in Athens County Ohio. He dedicated roughly 30 years of his life to the printing industry and eventually went on to own his own printing business called Traditional Printers Inc. In his business, he printed anything from menus to wedding invitations to pamphlets and, on the not-so-rare occasion, sponsored his grandchildren’s sports teams.
While he was committed to the printing business of Athens County, John was also an active member of the Baptist faith. In his life, he served as a deacon to Pastor Bill Wellman of First Southern Baptist Church of Athens and served in Meigs County as chairman, deacon and financial director of First Southern Baptist Church under Pastor Lamar O’Brien. John was a faithful man who walked with Christ and helped others walk with Him too. He served his congregation with unwavering devotion through ministry in the Meigs County Jail to those who were housed and in need of love, redemption and hope.
It is very evident that John left a spiritual impact on his community, but furthermore, he left a physical one as well. John assisted in the construction of multiple churches, from Athens County to Meigs County and even as far as the state of Georgia; helping others to find safety in worship within walls he helped build with his own hands.
When John wasn’t serving his church or aiding in the construction of other churches, you could find him under an old Chevy car, or fixing a tractor from his favorite brand, John Deere. If you couldn’t find him outside, it was probably because he took the golf cart to fetch the paper with his pet chicken, Pepper sitting proud on the seat next to him.
John lived a full life, wearing several hats (literally and figuratively) and holding many titles, but were none he held more dearly than the title of father, husband and grandfather.
John is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles “Buzz” Bail Jr. and Frank “Jerry” Bail. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth Bail, his children: Roger (Karen), Randy (Joy), Mark (Patsy) and Carrie Carpenter (Gene), as well as his sisters: Donna Tedrow, Nancy Wolf and Clara Rowan. Furthermore, the honor of carrying on his legacy also extends to his beloved grandchildren, Shelley Ervin, Kyle (Lindsay), Cody (Sarah), Mattew (Alex), Nathan (Trisha) Michael (Jessica) and Cortney Linscott (Tony).
Funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Pastor John Palley officiating. Burial will be in New Marshfield Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
