Cecil Doyne Bailey

Cecil Doyne Bailey, known affectionately as Doyne, DoDo, Pawpaw, and Gramps, was a man whose life was as full and multifaceted as the many interests he cultivated. Born on January 17, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Cecil Deloy Bailey and Vida Tullos Bailey, Doyne was beloved by all who knew him. On December 19, 2025, at the age of 78, Doyne passed away at home in Austin, Texas, after a courageous battle with recurrent renal carcinoma.

Doyne's formative years were spent in the care of his parents and sister, Louella Bailey Fortson, 18 years his elder. His early life set the stage for a man who would become known for his selflessness, thoughtfulness, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest of days. He was a cherished husband to his devoted wife, Patricia Hall Bailey, a loving father to his son, Brett Doyne Bailey (Mindy), and daughter, Leslie Ann Reiter, and a doting grandfather to Taryn Elise Pulido (Tony), Weston William Bailey, Dawson Bailey Reiter, and Wyatt Lee Bailey. His niece and nephews also held a special place in his heart.

Doyne's academic journey saw him attend Ouachita Baptist University as a ministerial student, where he majored in Speech and delved into over 200 college credit hours, although he never obtained a degree. At times Doyne would say that was because he changed his major too many times, and at other times he would say it was because he couldn't pass English.

A man of service and dedication, Doyne's career was marked by his commitment to law enforcement and public safety. He served with distinction as a Senior Sergeant at the Austin Police Department where he intuitively practiced the principles of Community Policing before it was widely recognized, Sheriff of Travis County, Executive Director of the Texas Governor's Criminal Justice Division, Administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and finally returned to the Travis County Sheriff's Office as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Margo Frasier and Sheriff Greg Hamilton. His contributions to the community were immeasurable, and his legacy in the field of criminal justice is enduring.

Doyne's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and interactions with a spirit of grace and compassion. He lived his beliefs through quiet actions, demonstrating the love and teachings of Christ in his everyday dealings. He was a long-time member at both Kinney Avenue Baptist Church and Manchaca Baptist Church.

Beyond his professional and spiritual commitments, Doyne was a man of diverse interests. An avid fisherman, he found peace and joy on the water, often crafting his own fishing rods with patient hands. His talents extended into woodworking, sewing, reading, metal polishing, and what he fondly referred to as "piddling." These hobbies were not just pastimes for Doyne; they were expressions of his creative spirit and his love for the tactile pleasures of life.

Those who knew Doyne will remember him as a man who gave freely of himself and always had time for others. His contemplative nature and ability to see the best path forward in any situation were gifts that he shared generously. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his spirit and the memories he created will continue to inspire and comfort us.

As we say farewell to Cecil Doyne Bailey, we do so with the assurance that his life was one well-lived, full of purpose, love, and laughter. We take solace in the hope of our Christian faith, knowing that he is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, where every tear is wiped away, and joy is everlasting. We celebrate Doyne's life and the imprint he has left on our hearts. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy of kindness, humor, and service live on through those who had the privilege of knowing him.