YORKTOWN — William Rogers “Bill” Bailey, 78, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Bill was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, and had been a Yorktown resident since 1990.
He graduated from Jefferson City High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University, and received a Master of Education from Boston University. During this time, Bill served his country as a signal corps officer in the U.S. Army, retiring as a major in 1985. His service included a tour of combat duty in Vietnam. Bill’s awards included the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, two Meritorious Service medals and the Vietnam Service Medal, among many others.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Joyce P. Bailey; son, William R. Bailey II; and two daughters, L. Alison Weber (Patrick) and K. Caroline Bailey; two sisters, Phyllis Samuelson (Robert) and Carolyne Strobel (Norman), both of Missouri; and two grandchildren, Tristan and Noelle Weber. Bill was the 15th of 16 children and is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
When he felt good, Bill would polish his beloved Corvette of 60 years. He was a familiar face locally because he delighted in taking it out for short spins. Through all his pain and suffering, he still shared his warm, dry sense of humor with others.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 14, at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.
