- Date Of Birth: November 27, 1926
- Date Of Death: August 27, 2021
- City: Ashland
- State: West Virginia
William Fitzhugh “Bill” Bailey, Sr., 94, of Bostwick, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021, at his home following an extended illness. He was born in Ashland, West Virginia on top of a mountain. Bill was a corpsman in the Navy during WW II. Afterward, he went to Concord College and earned a bachelor’s in chemistry. After his marriage and the birth of his children, he returned to school and earned a master’s in chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Bill was an educator—teacher, the principal then returned to the classroom and his last employment was with FCCJ now FSCJ as a chemistry professor. While living in West Virginia he was a lay minister for 8 years.
It was while he was a principal that he met his lifelong love, Lucy. They married on April 16, 1954. They were married for 67 years and shared many adventures. Together with their 3 children, they explored the US. They covered 43 of 50 states during their summer excursions. Bill continued to travel after his retirement. He then visited 3 more states for a total of 46 out of 50, He always went to the mountains during the summer. Bill loved hiking while he was able, being outside, and planting things. He grew the most beautiful roses and the best-tasting tomatoes.
Bill was a loving husband, a terrific father, and a doting grandfather/great grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Mabel Bailey, along with 12 siblings.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucy Bailey, children, William F. Bailey, Jr. (Caridad), Gerry Ellen Barber (John), and Ramona Peronto (Jim), siblings, Marvin Bailey (Annette), Kenneth Bailey, and Bridget Morrow, grandchildren, William, Brian, Morgan, Denise, Aaron, Matthew, Jamie and Michael as well as 16 great-grandchildren.
