Obituary for William Henry Bailey Sr.
William Henry Bailey, Sr. “Bill” of LaGrange, passed away on January 25, 2023. He was born in LaGrange on June 5, 1946, to the late Dewey “Shorty” Calup Bailey and Eunice Irene Bailey. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his sisters, Maryann Cupp and Linda Koone.
Bill and Pat began dating in 1964. He lived in LaGrange, and she in Hogansville; he would walk from LaGrange to Hogansville to spend time with the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married young and often said that they grew up together. Through the joys and struggles of life, they remained committed to one another resulting in a marriage of 57 years.
Bill was well-known throughout the community for his many years of service in multiple areas.
Early in his life, he worked at Dixie Mill as a weaver. During this time, he could be seen playing softball with his coworkers on the “Dixie Two” team and coaching little league baseball.
He stepped away from the mill to pursue his dream of owning a business and partnered with friends to purchase and run J-Mart convenience store. It was during this time that he found his love for cooking. He enjoyed creating new recipes and serving crowd-pleasing meals to family and friends.
Life changes, as it does, and he was proud to stay home and care for his three grandchildren. He found a new purpose and great joy through them. On any given day, he could be found sitting at Burger King watching them play, running them to and from school as well as their many extra-curricular activities. He was a volunteer tutor at Hillcrest Elementary after being recruited while waiting in the car line. He loved investing in the lives of the children he encountered.
Church was a big part of who he was. A chance meeting with an old friend brought Bill and Pat to Ayers Memorial Church, where they visited and never left. Faithful to his life’s calling, he continued to serve in many capacities but his favorite way to serve was behind the scenes quietly & joyfully while no one was watching.
Bill had a true servant’s heart and found fulfillment in his life, lending a helping hand, and doing what he was led to do without wanting or expecting recognition. His focus was on others, not himself.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Dodson Bailey; his children, Lisa Renee Bailey (Sherry Hoopingarner), William “Bill” H. Bailey, Jr., Nicole “Nikki” Bailey Gratton (Joseph S. Gratton); his brother, Howard Bailey (Carol Bailey); his grandchildren, Brieanna Bailey Horseman (David Horseman), Caleb Bailey, Shelby Redmond; his great-grandson Paul Henry Horseman; his sisters-in-law; Pam Bain and June Burdett.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they make their way through this very challenging time.
The family will receive friends at Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter-Allen-Myhand from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on January 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM. The committal service will directly follow the funeral and will be held at Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange.
Bill and Pat began dating in 1964. He lived in LaGrange, and she in Hogansville; he would walk from LaGrange to Hogansville to spend time with the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married young and often said that they grew up together. Through the joys and struggles of life, they remained committed to one another resulting in a marriage of 57 years.
Bill was well-known throughout the community for his many years of service in multiple areas.
Early in his life, he worked at Dixie Mill as a weaver. During this time, he could be seen playing softball with his coworkers on the “Dixie Two” team and coaching little league baseball.
He stepped away from the mill to pursue his dream of owning a business and partnered with friends to purchase and run J-Mart convenience store. It was during this time that he found his love for cooking. He enjoyed creating new recipes and serving crowd-pleasing meals to family and friends.
Life changes, as it does, and he was proud to stay home and care for his three grandchildren. He found a new purpose and great joy through them. On any given day, he could be found sitting at Burger King watching them play, running them to and from school as well as their many extra-curricular activities. He was a volunteer tutor at Hillcrest Elementary after being recruited while waiting in the car line. He loved investing in the lives of the children he encountered.
Church was a big part of who he was. A chance meeting with an old friend brought Bill and Pat to Ayers Memorial Church, where they visited and never left. Faithful to his life’s calling, he continued to serve in many capacities but his favorite way to serve was behind the scenes quietly & joyfully while no one was watching.
Bill had a true servant’s heart and found fulfillment in his life, lending a helping hand, and doing what he was led to do without wanting or expecting recognition. His focus was on others, not himself.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Dodson Bailey; his children, Lisa Renee Bailey (Sherry Hoopingarner), William “Bill” H. Bailey, Jr., Nicole “Nikki” Bailey Gratton (Joseph S. Gratton); his brother, Howard Bailey (Carol Bailey); his grandchildren, Brieanna Bailey Horseman (David Horseman), Caleb Bailey, Shelby Redmond; his great-grandson Paul Henry Horseman; his sisters-in-law; Pam Bain and June Burdett.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they make their way through this very challenging time.
The family will receive friends at Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter-Allen-Myhand from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on January 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM. The committal service will directly follow the funeral and will be held at Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange.