Storms in Ennis left destruction and heartbreak. The community mourns TJ Bailey’s loss, rallies for his family, and begins the path to healing.
ENNIS, Texas — In the wake of a severe storm that swept through Ellis County over the weekend, residents are dealing with property damage and the loss of a beloved community member.
“I heard the windows start to shake. I heard the house start to rattle,” recalled Ennis Mayor Kameron Raburn. “It was clear just from the sounds that there was going to be damage.”
Beyond structural losses, the community is mourning the death of 42-year-old T.J. Bailey.
Bailey, who worked at the Texas Motorplex, was staying in an RV near the venue with his family, preparing for an upcoming event. The storm overturned the trailer, claiming Bailey’s life and injuring his wife and children.
“Materials, homes, properties — that kind of stuff can be replaced,” said Raburn. “But whenever we lose a member of our community, that’s one of the things that really tugs at the heartstrings.”
Lonnie Grim, a friend of Bailey for over 30 years, expressed his grief and disbelief.
“The loss of T.J., probably my biggest disappointment, is people that never had an opportunity to meet the young man,” Grim said, describing Bailey as a role model and leader in the racing community. “We look at T.J., and we all say that we want to be just like him.”
Despite their injuries, Bailey’s wife and children are expected to recover physically.
“Cassie and the boys are well,” Grim reported. “Got a few stitches, some bruises. They will recover from those.”
Grim shares that he is heartbroken for Bailey’s family. He said Bailey was always so proud of his three sons.
“Their relationship from the outside looking in was truly a partnership. So, whatever Cassie needed help with, T.J. was right there.”
In support of his family, friends and the Texas Motorplex community have launched a fundraiser through the Drag Racers Benevolent Fund, with all proceeds going directly to Bailey’s family. Those who wish to donate can send funds to @tjbaileyfamilyfund on Venmo. Checks can also be sent to Texas Motorplex with the memo “TJ Bailey Family Fund.”
This weekend, the event that Bailey was preparing for, TX2K25, will continue in his honor.
“If he was still with us, he would say 100 percent, the event must go on,” said Grim.
He said Bailey’s passion for the sport and the events will be greatly missed, but losing a great friend is the hardest part. Grim added, “It’s a loss that will be felt for a long time.”
For residents in Ennis facing storm damage, visit https://www.ennistx.gov/weather.
