Billy Bert Bailey

Billy Bert Bailey, 82, of Little Rock, AR, passed away September 24, 2024. He was born October 3, 1941, the son of Edmond I. and Bernice (Hanks) Bailey.

Bill graduated from Stillwell (OK) High School then went on to Oklahoma State University, earning his engineering degree. He worked as a salesman for Federal Pacific Electric and retired from Baptist Health after 25 years as a supervisor in the Maintenance and Engineering Department.

Bill especially loved trains and was a prolific photographer of railroad equipment and an avid proponent for preserving railroad history. He volunteered with the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, most notably taking the lead in restoring steam engine 819 in Pine Bluff, AR, to running status. In addition, he volunteered with the M&NA Railroad Depot and Historical Museum in St. Joe, AR.

Bill was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, where he volunteered countless hours to help improve the church facility.

 Remaining to cherish Bill's memory are his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy (Grissom) Bailey; daughter, Kimberly Bailey of Little Rock, AR; brothers, Don (Brenda) Bailey of Fayetteville, AR and Gene (Karen) Bailey of Sulphur Springs, TX; sister, Betty Reed of Houston, TX; and 3 nephews, Nathan (SuZanne) Bailey of Sulphur Springs, TX, Eric (Ronda) Bailey of Grandview, TX, and Joel (Mylissa) Bailey of Sulphur Springs, TX.

Visitation will be September 28 at 1:00 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral service will be September 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor Roy Smith officiating. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Bill was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, M&NA Railroad Historical Museum, or Trinity United Methodist Church.