William Fargo "Bill" Bailey, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 13, in the presence of his loving family. Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father, talented salesman and friend to all. His positive attitude, good humor, quick wit and storytelling abilities were hallmarks of his personality. He taught us to always look forward, stay positive and to never live in the past.
Bill was born in Salt Lake City on November 10, 1921, to William Albert "W.A." Bailey and Dorothy Fargo. He graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah where he pledged Sigma Nu. In 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the 264th Platoon. He was a member of the "greatest generation" and fought in the Battle of Midway. The discipline he learned in the Marine Corps helped shape the man he became. Shortly after he received his honorable discharge, his life changed forever when he met Royce Kane. He and Royce were married on April 10, 1947, at St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City, and last year celebrated their sixty second wedding anniversary.
Bill worked with his father to build the Bailey Tire Company, which was an iconic fixture located at the corner of 300 West and 300 South for over fifty years. Bailey Tire became one of the most successful Firestone tire dealers in the United States. Bill served as a member of the Firestone National Dealers' Council. He was also a former member of Rotary.
Bill had two hobbies that he pursued with unrestrained passion, golf and bridge. He was a member of the Salt Lake Country Club and played golf for many years with the Gang, the Dunn Group, the Rabbits and others. Retirement from the tire business only meant that he could increase his golf to six days a week. When asked why he didn't play seven days a week, he remarked "everybody needs a day off." Later in life, he found his second but equally addicting hobby, bridge. He played bridge at the Salt Lake Country Club, the Alta Club and the Bridge Center. The friends he made on the golf course and playing bridge were his very best friends and they supported him throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 27, 2010
Thomas Howa
My best to the bailey family during these most difficult times. I will always remember the kindness he showed me.
February 24, 2010
Barbara Keller
Dad, I will always miss you and love you for all the joy that you have given my life. Rest in peace. Your loving daughter, Barbara
February 18, 2010
Dave Felt
Royce and Family,
Bill was a great neighbor to have when I was growing up, and was a good friend to my Mom and Dad. He was always very kind and gracious to me and my wife. Having just lost my mom a month ago, I know what you are going through and my thoughts are with you all. Dave Felt
February 18, 2010
John Jarman
Dear Bailey Family,
I had so much fun playing golf riding around and just spending time with Bill.
He always had hilarious things to say.
He was my dad's age but treated me as an equal.
I will miss him.
Love John J
February 18, 2010
Dear Royce & Family
We all loved Bill. We both enjoyed knowing him. Bill at the bridge table & Lennox over the years.
Love & condolences.
Bill & Lennox Deem
February 17, 2010
Katie Higgins
Dear Barbara, Royce and family;
My prayers and love are with you at this most difficult time. I hope that the many loving memories you have will help ease the pain, and remind you that your father (husband) is with you forever in your heart.
Sincerely,
Katie Higgins
February 17, 2010
Ahh Bill
Our family will miss you.
Elizabeth Eliason
February 16, 2010
Jim Steele
The Bailey Family
My deepest sympathy to you for the loss of a husband, father, grandfather
and friend.
He will be missed by all and his dry humor and quick wit are a loss that will not be replaced
February 16, 2010
Erik Christiansen
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill every April in advance of the Masters, and was always the better for the experience. He will be missed.
February 16, 2010
Glen and Barbara Richman
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
February 16, 2010
Dear Royce and Family,Sue and I extend our condolences to all of you on the passing of Bill.He was probably the most liked person of anyone we know.His congeniality,friendliness and sense of humor were legendary.He will be missed. Suzanne And Brent Scott
February 16, 2010
Bill&Barbara Gibbons
Dear Bailey Family -- we send to you our most sincere sympathy. We have so many fond memories of Bill. Barbara and Bill Gibbons
February 16, 2010
Jack and Susan Turner, Mannos
All of our best to the family. A wonderful example of a good kind man who loved people. Thanks for your kindness to our family. Jack Turner, SusanEliasonTurner Mannos
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