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George Bailey got a heart for Christmas. Longtime Hogansville pastor and former city council member, Bailey, has had to spend the holidays away from his Georgia home over the holidays. Bailey and his wife, Lashawn, have been at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville Tennessee awaiting a heart.

The pastor has been waiting for a heart transplant in Nashville. A heart did become available on Dec. 1, however, was not viable, according to Bailey. However, they would not have to wait much longer. Bailey underwent his heart transplant on Dec. 6.

Bailey said it was a perfect Christmas present, especially as he shares the name with the main character of the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. The Hogansville George Bailey celebrates by taking a trip to see Santa, to tell St. Nick the good news. 

So far, the pastor said he is feeling good and hopeful the transplant will take. The Baileys will be in Nashville for another four to six weeks to ensure there are no signs of rejection before returning home. 

The community, both in Troup and beyond. The Facebook page KGBaileyStrong, which gives updates and has links to fundraising efforts has garnered over 2,000 followers. Local churches, including Confidence Missionary Baptist Church in LaGrange, have held services to bless and raise money for Bailey’s operation. Similar events have been held in the Coweta-County area and his hometown of Manchester, Georgia. 

Bailey is being honored as the Grand Marshal of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority MLK Day Parade on Jan. 11. While he will still be in Tennessee at the time, his family will be riding in his stead.