1939
2020
Samuel "Sam" Althouse Bailey, of Newport News, Va., 80, passed peacefully May 21, 2020, after his long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
He was born July 20, 1939, in Pottsville, to Albert John Bailey and Emily Louise Althouse Bailey Gilmore.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian "Pat" Patricia Ferrebee Bailey. He leaves behind his four daughters, Melody Lee and husband, Timothy L. Carter, of Newport News, Va., Robin Samantha and husband, James D. Mathenia, of Charleston, S.C., Dawn Louise and husband, Kevin R. Murphy, of Norfolk, Va., and Susan "Susie" Bailey and husband, William "Mike" M. Burnett, of Gloucester County, Va.
He graduated in 1958 from Pottsville Area High School in Pottsville. Sam served our country in the Army 82nd Airborne Division with two tours in the Vietnam War as an aircraft maintenance senior sergeant. Serving 20 years in the Army, retired Master Sgt. Sam worked for and retired from Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Williamsburg, Va. For many years, Sam drove tractor-trailer trucks, known fondly by his Army and HOG buddies as "Beetle Bailey."
Sam was a loving father and enjoyed good times with family. He could repair anything and loved helping friends and family with projects. His hobbies included custom cabinetry and woodworking but his passion was riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Sam was a member of the Hampton Roads HOG chapter. He was a riding enthusiast and rode almost daily. For Sam, riding was as much about camaraderie, as it was having the wind in his face. Making friendships were many of Sam's greatest joys, often riding with his buddies to "shoot the breeze" or find new lunch dives and make new friends.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to their many friends who have offered support and prayers through Sam's journey. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hampton Medical Center Hospice Palliative Care and VHS Walter Reed Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center, Gloucester, Va., for their support and care for Sam and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the charity of your choice. Altmeyer Funeral Home-Denbigh Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.
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Sponsored by Altmeyer Funeral Home - Denbigh Chapel - Newport News.
2 Entries
Worked with Sam, at Anheuser Busch, for many years. I enjoyed Sam's no B.S. personality and he will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Sam Bailey.
Frank Grandy
May 26, 2020
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
May 25, 2020
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