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He’s always had a big heart. Now he has a bigger new heart.

Heart of West Georgia (HOWG), a local nonprofit organization focused on heart and cardiovascular health, recognized recent heart transplant recipient George Bailey at the group’s annual golf fundraiser.

HOWG selects someone to recognize at the event each year, which has been held at the Highland Country Club for two decades. Bailey, a veteran, community leader, and former Hogansville City Councilman, was chosen as the 2025 honoree for his inspiring journey that reminds everyone of the importance of heart health.

Bailey has been a community leader long before he was elected to the city council. His leadership started in high school and continued in his service to our country in the Army during the Gulf War. 

After his military service, Bailey earned a doctorate in Theology, which he has used to lead his congregation at White Oak Baptist Church in Senoia, Georgia, for 25 years. He also serves as chaplain for the Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home and the Hogansville Police Department.

Bailey served two terms on the Hogansville City Council, including a period as Mayor Pro Tem, and also as the Chairman of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.

Bailey has also been instrumental in organizing local events like the Memorial Day and Martin Luther King services in Hogansville.

“When George’s heart physically got much larger last year, he embraced the challenge of preparing to get a new heart with the most courage of anybody, I think I could imagine,” said Wanda Walker, HOWG Board Member. 

Bailey received a heart transplant in December 2024, just five months ago. He’s back on his feet after doing rehab. During his recovery, Bailey wrote a pair of books chronicling his heart recovery journey and leadership.

Bailey said he was grateful for the recognition, the support he has received, and of course, his new heart.

“Me and my wife have been truly blessed through the support I have received,” Bailey said. “I had so many people call me, but God is so good. When you’re a giver and loving of people, people reciprocate back to you. And that’s what happens with me in my life. I love people. I love communicating. I love everybody. So when you love everybody, it comes back to you.”

Bailey received his heart transplant at Vanderbilt University, which he said set a record for heart transplants last year.

“It took three times before I got a heart,” Bailey said, explaining he had two rejections. “I was number 152.” 

Bailey said he couldn’t have done it without his wife, Daniella, who served as his caregiver in recovery. Daniella is also a cancer survivor.

“Thank you for all of your prayers and uplifting. I have had wonderful support from all over Troup County and the state of Georgia, so many of you all. Thank you so much,” Bailey said.