JAMES BAILEY WARRINGTON August 9, 1923 – June 27, 2015 James Bailey Warrington, 91, of Micanopy, Florida, went home to be with the Lord, and his son Joseph Simpson, on June 27, 2015. He was born in Washington, Georgia to John Francis Warrington and Annie Lucy Bailey on August 9, 1923. James was 4 years old when he moved from Washington, Georgia to the Micanopy area with his parents and siblings. They joined James’ maternal grandparents who had migrated to this area previously. James started 1st grade at Kirby Smith and the family moved to Gainesville where his father and oldest brother had found work with the University of Florida. James married his high school sweetheart, Linda Billington, on May 29, 1944. They loved and cared for each other from that date on for 71 years, while also raising two children: Ann Warrington Williams and Joseph Simpson Warrington (deceased). When World War II broke out James and his brother John volunteered for the military, James joining the Air Force and John the Marines. James loved his country and was honored to have served. Along with his honorable discharge at the end of the war he took with him a lifelong love of anything and everything about planes and flying. When he returned home after the war he found work with the City of Gainesville Utility Department, now known as Gainesville Regional Utilities. He began his 40 year career with GRU as an electrical meter reader and retired as the Superintendent of Water Distribution. He loved his work but decided to retire in October 1978 to spend more time with his family. Upon retirement James had more time to devote to his love of God and church, and decided to become a minister. He was licensed and ordained to preach in 1988 by the Hiawassee Baptist Association, Hiawassee, Georgia. From 1989 to 1996 he served as pastor to various mountain ministries in North Carolina. In 1996 he retired from active ministry. His survivors include his loving wife Linda Billington Warrington, daughter Ann Warrington Williams, son-in-law Jack L. Williams, granddaughter Jenifer Ann Rodriguez, and grandson-in-law Ben Rodriguez. His son Joseph Simpson Warrington preceded James in death in 1976. Services will be held at the 1st Baptist Church of Micanopy (709 First Street, Micanopy, Florida) on Saturday July 11, 2015, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception in the church hall. Inurnment will take place at the Micanopy Historic Cemetery (401 W. Smith Avenue) after the reception. In memory of James and in lieu of flowers contributions may be mailed to the 1st Baptist Church of Micanopy, P.O. Box 494, Micanopy, Florida 32667.
