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Robert Eugene Bailey

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Robert Bailey Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Page-Theus Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Apr. 21, 2024.

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Robert Eugene Bailey "Bobby", 71, of Groveland, FL, passed away on April 19, 2024. Bobby was born in Bakersfield, CA on April 8, 1953, to his loving parents; Roy and Marie (Betsch) Bailey.
Bobby grew up by the Poca River Valley in West Virginia and relocated to Leesburg, FL in 1964. As a child, Bobby built everything by hand and was known to "MacGyver" anything with his inventive mind. That self taught handyman skill stayed with him throughout his life into his career as an engineer in the aviation industry. Bobby began flying planes at the age of 16, and today, Bobby is extremely well known in the industry as a pioneer and legend.
Bobby flew planes and built aircrafts all over the world and invented the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly ultralight aircraft and the Connie Amphib "Flying Float".
Aside from working as an engineer, Bobby flew planes at Epcot in Walt Disney World for the "Surprise in the Skies" shows. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and he revolutionized hang gliding.
Bobby will be missed and remembered fondly by his family, friends and all who knew the impact of his work for decades in aviation.
Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Connie Bailey, his siblings; Marlene and Michael, nieces; Ginger and Mira, and nephew; Chick, as well as a student and best friend; Logan Harris.
A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Bobby all day on May 26, 2024 at Paradise Airsports.

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Recent Activity

May 11, 2024

Mr.wang posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2024

Tony Wikner posted to the memorial.

April 25, 2024

Bruce Wynne posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Mr.wang

May 11, 2024

I'm a hang glider pilot from China, and I've known about dragonflies for a long time, and I've watched videos on YouTube, and I know that Bailey designed the dragonfly, i've seen almost all the videos of the plane. Bailey and I have never talked, but he will always be in my heart.

Tony Wikner

April 29, 2024

My Condolences To Connie and all the Quest Air and Paradise Air Sports family.

I met Bobby through my brother Dixon who worked with him at Epcot during that crazy air/water show they did there. Later I would learn to hang glide with some of those guys behind a boat, but Bobby's invention, The Dragonfly, changed the sport forever. I was lucky enough to fly with Bobby in the front seat of his cooked shrimp colored personal Dragonfly and was also towed to cloud base by him many times. I had to give up hang gliding 16 years ago but i still work in the Town of Groveland and could watch his graceful acrobatics out the warehouse doors. I'm hope he's teaching angels to do wingovers and flat spins in heaven.

Bruce Wynne

April 25, 2024

What an amazing fellow. So grateful for all you have done. My condolences to the family.

Maxie and Earlene Bailey

April 24, 2024

Bobby was loved by his West Virginia family. We enjoyed listening to his travels. He spent some time with us when he and Connie got married. He was a joy to be around.