Deseret News | Thurl Bailey's wonderful life

Thurl Bailey's wonderful life

By Doug Robinson
Deseret News senior writer

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 3:27 p.m. MST

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Thurl Bailey is retired from professional basketball, but that doesn't mean he's slowed down. Just try to keep up with him.

There's his singing career, with concert appearances and CDs to his credit. There are his various business interests, everything from corporate speaking to literally spreading fertilizer. There is his foundation and his work with various charities.

There are the dozens of "firesides" he does for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are his broadcasting duties, providing TV color commentary for Utah Jazz and University of Utah basketball games. And there is his young family — a wife and four children.

Is he busy? "You have no idea," he says.

His Web site says it all: "Invitational speaker, pro athlete, celebrity and entertainer. You get it all with Thurl Bailey."

And Bailey couldn't be happier. Sitting in his large house overlooking the south end of Salt Lake Valley, he is cuddled on a couch with his wife, Sindi, while children race through the halls.

"Every day I feel so fortunate to be where I am in my life," he says. "And it's not over. I feel like the story has more to tell. I've got a great life. There's no question about it. I am where I want to be."

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He is nothing if not grateful. After all, this is a man who has compiled a list of all the people he wants to contact and thank for what they have done for him in his life. It is a life he never could have imagined. Who knew this 6-foot-11 African-American from the East Coast, who grew up in a violent household in a tough neighborhood, would wind up converting to the LDS Church, marrying a white woman and settling in Salt Lake City.

Does he ever marvel at where life has taken him? "Every day," he says.

But chances are he's on the move while he's thinking about it. Bailey, who ended his professional basketball career with an encore season in 2001, has continued life at a fast-break pace. He works quietly behind the scenes doing good deeds in the community, just as the late Jim Valvano foresaw years ago. Even before Bailey was drafted by the Utah Jazz nearly two decades ago, Valvano, Bailey's coach at North Carolina State, urged the Jazz to use their first pick on him.

"Don't think of Thurl as just a player," he said. "As a person he will be good for the team and the community."

Bailey has a foundation called Big TLC, which raises money for various charities. That includes his own basketball camp, which he does gratis. He contacts various charities and organizations to identify kids who could benefit from attending the camp but can't afford it, and admits them free.

He participates in read-to-achieve programs in schools. He gives motivational talks at schools throughout the state and beyond. He works with various charities — among them, Make-A-Wish, DARE, the Happy Factory.