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Bill Bailey Obituary
With a gravelly voice and an outspoken brand of humor, Mr. Bailey, born William Boahn, was an on-air personality for more than 30 years at radio stations in Louisville, most notably at WAKY 790 AM during the 1970s.
He later spent more than four years as an afternoon DJ on WVLK in Lexington before retiring in 1994.
WVLK host Jack Pattie said Saturday that in the 1960s and '70s, WAKY was a very popular rock station among teenagers in Louisville and Lexington.
"He was what everybody listened to," Pattie said. "I think he was one of the best broadcaster communicators ever. He was a huge influence in my career."
After retiring from WVLK, Mr. Bailey moved back to Louisville.
His daughter Faith Chapman said he had a stroke about 13 years ago, which required him to use a wheelchair, but "he never lost his personality."
As a resident of a nursing home in Pewee Valley, she said he did morning announcements over the public address system and had frequent visits from fans.
Pattie said that for a time, he did weekly phone interviews from the nursing home for the "new" WAKY 103.5 FM in the Louisville area.
He enjoyed painting and said in a 1989 Herald-Leader article that he would "rather paint pictures than anything.
"But I do enjoy radio because it's so easy for me," he said. "I don't like to do anything that's difficult."
Mr. Bailey is survived by a son and three daughters.
Services will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Pearson-Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home on Shelbyville Road in Middletown. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
-- By Karla Ward | [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Bailey
33 Entries
Kathy Kirk
March 12, 2016
"Bill Bailey' was a great memory in my teenage years. His impact on so many will live on forever
Gary Martin
January 25, 2012
Back in the 60's he was my favorite disc-jockey as i went to school, and when i went to work in the 70's. i will miss him.
Gary Martin
January 24, 2012
Bill Bailey's earthly voice may be silenced, but will be echoed over the years in the minds of those of us who were his fans. Bill, you just went before us to prepare that radio station in the sky for eternal happiness for the rest of us.
JACKSON BREWER
January 18, 2012
Many happy hours went by listening to MR. BAILEY. I will hold these memories in my mind forever. Deepest sympathy to all of his family.--JACK B.
Ann C.
January 17, 2012
I listened to Bill when he was at WVLK in Lexington in the early 1990s. He made my workday a little more pleasant because I loved his humor. So sorry to read of his stroke 13 years ago. Sympathy to his family.
mary Gooden - Hamm
January 17, 2012
I think we lived in Crittenden Ky when I listened to WAKY all the time and the wonderful voice of BILL BAILEY,He played great music and had the voice of a great DJ . Sending Prayers and sympathy to his family in their loss .
Brenda Esarey
January 16, 2012
I remember having my radio on first thing in the morning getting ready for school in the 70s and there was Bill! One of a kind, bigger-than-life persona who will be missed. Thank you for waking us all up with your humor!
Lane T.
January 16, 2012
Theres just no way you could keep a smile off your face listening to Bill on WAKY! I listened to him every day back in those wonderful days, and his quick wit was simply amazing. I certainly treasure those wonderful memories! There will never be anyone else quite like him!
April
January 15, 2012
I loved you so very much Bill. I'm going to miss you so much. Many thoughts and prayers to your family. You were more than just Bill Bailey to me, you were like my grandpa.
January 15, 2012
Had the pleasure of meeting Bill recently at FM, what a wonderful talk we had. God bless Bill!
E. Clausing
January 15, 2012
RIP Bill from your son Eric's Aunt.
Bobby Davis
January 15, 2012
I listened to Bill on Waky and later on WVLK.There will never be another voice like his or his personality. R.I.P. Bill you will be missed greatly.
Doug McElvein
January 15, 2012
I grew up in Lexington and learned a great deal from my mentors at WVLK. But I must confess all of us really wanted to work at WAKY or WKLO. Bill, you were a giant amongst many.
Ed Wuskell
January 15, 2012
Listened to you every day that you were on in the 70,s and 80,s.will miss you.Ed Wuskell,Berea,Ky
Keith Kelly
January 15, 2012
Bill Bailey was the Kentucky version of Dick Clark. I had the absolute pleasure of growing up in Louisville and listening to this man broadcast everyday, especially in the summers of my youth. His humor, knowledge, quirkiness and love for broadcasting always announced itself thru the airwaves. He influenced my love for top 40, Motown and a few oldies of the 50's that I still carry in my mind and "boombox" Ha! Rest in Peace Mr. Bailey, you will always be "The Duke of Louisville" forever.
January 15, 2012
Listened to Bill every day he was on,will be missed,Ed Wuskell,Berea ,Ky
Ed Wuskell
January 15, 2012
Listened to Bill every day he was on,will be missed,Ed Wuskell,Berea ,Ky
Mason Lee Dixon
January 15, 2012
Bill Bailey was what radio was in the 60's and 70's. The "natural" that defined an era in broadcasting history. I worked with him at WAKY for four years, 1969-1973, and not once did he do anything but himself and his ratings were #1 the whole time. His presence was palpable. A whole generation of rock n rollers identified solely with him. I am missing his presence, friendship and the hilarity we shared.
Savannah A
January 15, 2012
I met Mr. Bailey at Friendship Manor Nursing Home four years ago. He was a very nice man and I loved to hear his stories about his paintings and when he was on the radio.
January 15, 2012
I listened to no other radio station growing up in the 60's and my favorite DJ was Bill Bailey. It was awesome when I found WAKY again several years ago and enjoyed hearing from Bill weekly. He will always be remembered. Nancy, KY
Bo Keith
January 15, 2012
Bill Bailey was a radio icon. I only heard of his WAKY days in Louisville, but I knew him when he was on WVLK in Lexington. I'll never forget him calling my father's restaurant, the Fishnet, and speaking live with Bill Keith about the daily specials. He was funny and witty. You'll be missed Bill Bailey.
John Sherrow
January 15, 2012
Bill Bailey was the best D.J. at the best station in Ky. back in the day.
Tom Daulton
January 15, 2012
Even though I didn't follow this bit of Bill Bailey advice closely, I often quoted one of his WAKY morning show sign off lines, "Keep a song in your heart, a smile on your lips and a pint on your hip". I just know at least the first two parts were always his life's creed. He always sounded like a close friend and made waking up easier.
January 15, 2012
Bill Bailey and WAKY radio were the favorites growing up in the 60's. Kenny, KY
Jennifer McKinley
January 15, 2012
I will greatly miss your smile and sense of humor. You were truly one of a kind and a great man. You will be greatly missed. I am such a lucky person to have had the privilege of knowing you.
Becky Dunaway
January 15, 2012
This man was amazing. He had his own unique voice that could melt your heart. There were days at work when I would have a lot on my mind and when I rounded the corner and there he was setting there drinking his coffee and he would say, Hey honey, all my worries would go away. I am very lucky to have been a part of his life. He always had a funny story to tell or a hug or a kiss on the cheek to share. He was a very caring person and will be missed by all at Friendship Manor! I am sure he is in heaven now tell all the funny things that happened at the manor. Bridget, I guess we will have to wait til we meet up with Bill again someday real soon so he can decided which one of us to blow a kiss to. lol. and Boo-Boo loves you Bill! Until we meet again, Love you lots.
Martha Masters
January 15, 2012
Much love to you Jennifer. Our arms are around you.
Martha Masters & Barbara Yates
Jamie Dunaway
January 14, 2012
Bill... Ill never forget u and ill always remember all the great times we shared... im so thankful ur family decided to let u live at friendship manor.. I love u and I always will
Mary Harmon
January 14, 2012
Hardly knew you but loved your show for years before we met and long after.
Jacque Critchfield
January 14, 2012
Bills friendship was a treasure. I will always appreciate our time together especially at The Fishnet Restaurant .
Ginger, Bridget, and Saundra Dunaway
January 14, 2012
Bill Bailey you are man with many personalities from comical, smart and witty, to sincere. We are lucky to have gotten the chance to get to know you through Friendship Manor! You were well loved and will be greatly missed!!
Glenn Cross
January 14, 2012
Wow! What a great DJ. Bill Bailey was the man. I grew up in the 60's and 70's listening to my little transistor radio and later stereo and have never forgotten that great voice and the great music. I pray for the family and your loss and just want to say thanks for the memories. I've lived in Knoxville for 30 years and Bill Bailey made a huge impression on me and I've never forgotten him. I grew up loving music and both my sons love music and are musicians and it is not a stretch to say that Bill Bailey was influential to me in a most positive way. May God grant you comfort during this time of great loss.
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Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home - East Louisville12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243
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