Dr. Robert Rives Bailey

March 10, 1934 - March 21, 2022

Dr. Rives Bailey passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022, in Charlottesville, Va., after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. A man of strong faith, he passed peacefully into the next life holding hands with his wife Betty and surrounded by his family who were his greatest pride and joy.

Born on March 10, 1934, Rives grew up in Sandston, Va., where he was a standout athlete and student at Highland Springs High School. He attended UVA on an athletic and academic scholarship from 1952-56. While at UVA, he was quarterback of the football team and played third base on the baseball team. He was a member of the Seven Society as well as the Honor Committee, the Z Society, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and an Eli Banana. At the same time, he and Betty began their married life and started a family. Rives then attended UVA Medical School and after his residency, was drafted into the U.S. Air Force.

In 1962, Rives returned to Yorktown to take over the family medical practice established by his father and, thus, began a 45- year practice tending to the needs of several generations of families. His dedication to his patients and his co-workers was profoundly deep and full of love. They were family to him.

Rives was committed to the community he loved and became involved in numerous boards, charities and local organizations including the Lackey Free Clinic and the Boys and Girls Club. He also continued an active involvement with UVA, volunteering on multiple boards including the Virginia Student Aid Foundation (now VAF), the Alumni Association, and the Medical Alumni Association.

Most notable about Rives was his deep love for and devotion to his wife, Betty, his family, and his friends. He had a kind, compassionate, and loving spirit, as well as a fun and mischievous side, and those that loved him are left with many treasured memories.

Rives was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Herman and Frances Bailey, and brothers, Ben and Dean. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty of Charlottesville, Francie Bailey of Williamsburg, Rives Bailey (Carey) of Charlottesville, Katie Cowen (Bob Yates) of Charlottesville; and many adored grandchildren, Alex, Ben (Dylan), Amelie and Jack Bailey, and Rives, Charlie, and Harry Cowen, and Harry (Jess) and Emily Yates, along with his big extended Bailey family. The family is grateful for the tender care provided by the staff at the Colonnades and Hospice of the Piedmont.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Crooks Memorial Church in Yorktown at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Orange and blue attire is appropriate if you desire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lackey Free Clinic or the Boys and Girls Club of the VA Peninsula (Yorktown chapter). Condolences or memories can be sent to Betty Bailey at 2600 Barracks Rd., Apt 304, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress on Apr. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bailey

25 Entries

Flo Campbell Bernstein

July 27, 2023

My twin sister Ann and I graduated with Rives and Betty in 1952 from Highland Springs High School. Ours was the last graduating class of that school which was located in the rear of the old school building that housed Grades 1 through 12. Rives and Betty Huzek were high school sweethearts - he the handsome sports figure (football, baseball) and she the beautiful brunette cheerleader with the winning smile. My twin and I hosted our Class Reunions every five years from 1972 through 2002 - thirty years. Betty and Rives attended every one of them. I will never forget our 25th Reunion in 1975, held at the Country Club of Virginia. After my twin Ann and I and company performed the "White Christmas" song and dance number "Sisters", Rives asked me to dance. After about three steps, he literally "tripped the light fantastic" and down we went! Someone yelled "Penalty!" and helped us to our feet. We brushed ourselves off and resumed our waltz. It was a truly fun evening! Betty and Rives were a great couple, deeply admired by all. My profound sympathy to Betty and their family, friends, colleagues, all who knew and loved him. Rest in Heavenly Peace, dear Friend.

Douglas Conrad Buckelew

February 24, 2023

I first met Rives and Betty when we were students at UVA in 1954. When I went to work in the pharmaceutical industry for Novartis in 1958 I called on his father Dr. Herman Bailey.
When Rives started his practice in Yorktown with Drs. Joynes and Campbell I called on them
until I retired in 1993. Rives and Hawes came to my retirement party. Rives was a great person to have as a friend. I never saw him in in a bad mood. He called me Abbie and I could never beat him at
golf.

Douglas Conrad Buckelew

February 24, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Douglas Conrad Buckelew

February 24, 2023

Rives was a good friend and class mate just

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Tammy Green Holloway

July 2, 2022

I am Just learning of Dr. Baileys passing. My heart aches today as I read this. What a remarkable loving man. As the story goes he "saved" my life when I was a toddler. And he always held me close in his love and care. As an adult he provided loving care to my daddy Tommy Green. We were forever grateful. It was good to see that million dollar smile of his as I read this obituary. God bless all of you and know your dad (husband) made such a difference in so many lives. Thanks for sharing him for so many years.

John, Lynn and Robert Heimerl

April 29, 2022

The "Doctor's Bailey" were truly a blessing to our family as well as so many others. What great fortune to grow up at a time that let us know them both! Godspeed, Rives.

Morris Banks

April 6, 2022

Delivered into this world by Rives´ father, I spent many afternoons playing touch football with Rives on the Bailey´s side yard. Later I watched from the stands of Scott Stadium at The University, as Rives was the quarterback for our Cavaliers.
His was a life well spent.
Morris Banks
Scituate Ma.

Meg Williams

April 6, 2022

I worked with Dr. Bailey at the Lackey clinic for many years. He was an excellent doctor and had true compassion for his patients. He will be Dearly missed. What a comfort to know he is in the presence of our Savior!

Buddy & Peggy S. Parker

April 6, 2022

Betty and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We were so sorry to hear of Dr.Bailey's death. He was a wonderful doctor and ya'll were great neighbors. We miss you!

Larry Herbert

April 5, 2022

My condolences Rives.

edythe "edie" sawyer

April 5, 2022

I´m sorry for your loss, he was a great man and doctor. My parents respected him greatly, as well as his father.. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Edie Sawyer

Judith Letchworth

April 4, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Dr. Bailey was much loved by all the patients and friends who knew him. Rest in peace.

John Ince

April 4, 2022

My sincerest condolences to the Bailey family. It sounds like a life well lived and appreciated. I only know Rives of the family but am sure his legacy is as well represented amongst all his progeny.

George W. Vetrovec, MD

April 4, 2022

As a boy in Sandston, Va. I was a patient of his Dad's and a few years later lived in his Dad's prior House/Office at 36 W. Williamsburg Rd. in Sandston which was also Rives' boyhood home. I remember listening on the radio to Rives" UVA football games as quarterback. I knew Rives and always felt a special attachment - Please know as a physician myself and this history I have very special memories of Rives and his family.

Sarah Bishop

April 4, 2022

Francie - I was saddened to hear of the death of your father. What a remarkable man he was. It is wonderful to see his life of generous community service continue through you and his family.

Sarah Bishop

Postie Menges

April 3, 2022

"Young Dr. Bailey" took such Wonderful care of ME, and he saw me a lot at his office and in the hospital. If it were not for HIM, I would NOT have "tried to" survive in 1983. Yes, I would agree his Big Smile was his "Gift" to his dear wife, his 3 children and ALL his patients. I am sure he did NOT stop there. Strangers got to see his Gift! He was the definition of a "true Southern Gentleman". There will be so many people at his "Celebration of Life"!! If I have to sit on the lawn of the church, I will!! If HE was still with US, he would come over and offer ME his hand and help me stand! I LOVE YOU, Dr. Bailey. My Memory of YOU is engraved in my heart forever, MY Friend! Yes, I am still "wordy"...I meet more people that way! Miriam Post (Postie) Menges-Brannan

David Maxwell MD

April 3, 2022

Dr Bailey is one of the reasons Ipursued medicine.

an inspiration to many, and me. Condolences to Rives Jr and Francie, and Betty.

john simmons

April 3, 2022

great dr and a friend. knew his father and brother taught me in high school. a part of my life has been taken away from me. a special place in my heart for such a great man
condolences to his family

Goodman And Barbara Mitchell family

April 3, 2022

He was a wonderful and caring man! He was our family pediatrician and later general practice doctor was always there day or night for us! World is missing a great man! Thank you for everything

Charles Wornom

April 3, 2022

A fine man and a true gentleman.

Debby Dishner Herrin

April 3, 2022

You will be missed by many. Thank you for all the years for taking care of my parents, Ira and Helen Dishner, and my family, and being that friend in all situations. You are definitely one of a kind!

Robert Wrenn

April 3, 2022

One of the finest men I ever knew. A credit to the medical profession and a standard for humanity. He cared, and the fact that he laid down his life every day was proof of that caring. Rest in peace old friend.

Shelly Vieth-Smfd

April 3, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. In loving memory of a great person. RIP Rives Dr. Bailey one of the best!

Brown Weaver

April 3, 2022

My second Dr Bailey:) Both of these men were so very special :) A smile from this guy was his calling card....God speed Dr. Bailey....and thank you for being my doctor:)))

He was a nice guy. Always a smile.

April 2, 2022

I already miss him just knowing he´s gone on but plan to see him later.

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