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William H. Bailey, Jr.
William H. Bailey, Jr.
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William H. Bailey, Jr. Obituary
Bill was a proud US Navy veteran, Korean War (1950-54). He served at Naval Operating Base (NOB) Guam, Mariana Islands, and on the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea CV-47, with missions in the Sea of Japan.
He researched and documented his family histories, including military services dating to the Civil War and the Mexican Revolution. His work resulted in the discovery of his great-uncle Walter L. Smith from Muncy, Pennsylvania, who served in the US Army from 1898-1901, was taken prisoner in the Philippines, never came home, and is still missing today. Act 159 of 2016 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized the designation of the Pvt. Walter L. Smith Spanish-American War Memorial Bridge, erected over Muncy Creek. Legislative bills were sponsored by the late State Representative Garth Everett and by Senator Gene Yaw.
Bill is the co-author of "Murder in Muncy Creek," a true-crime account.
He was predeceased by his son Stuart S. Bailey. He is survived by his wife Doris (Peggy) O'Dell Bailey of 68 years, his sister Elizabeth McInnis, several nieces and nephews, and a large extended family. He is descended from the Bailey (over 10 generations), Huff, Beck, Smith, Colley, Zehner and Vought families in Lycoming, Sullivan, Columbia, and Montour counties.
A future memorial tribute will be planned by the family.
In remembrance of Bill: Honor a veteran for their service and their sacrifice for our freedom.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Trudy Lewis
July 11, 2025
He was a fantastic fellow. I will miss him.
Betsy Lewis
July 10, 2025
Bill and Nelson are together laughing and talking about old times like
the friends they have been since they were boys. Much love, Peggy.
Betsy
Richard Lotd
July 9, 2025
Uncle Bill a kind, loving an caring man. Loved his smile.
Cheryl & Ronnie Morris
July 8, 2025
Our deepest condolences , sending love and prayers to you Peggy, God Speed Uncle Bill may you rest in peace
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Danette Reynolds
July 5, 2025
I will miss my Uncle Bills laugh most of all. He had a very kind sole and will be missed by many of his family and friends.
Debbie Lord
July 4, 2025
Uncle Bill was one of the `good guys´ in my life. He had a quiet, steady presence and had a quick, witty sense of humor that I enjoyed. We both enjoyed reading and shared some books. He loved his large family and he will be greatly missed.
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