William Edward Bailey, Jr.

 William Edward “Ed” Bailey Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at home in Plano, Texas, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Ed was born on February 27, 1947, in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia, class of 1965. Ed went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, in 1974, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He was a registered Professional Civil Engineer since 1979.

While attending Georgia Tech, Ed went through U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. Throughout his life, he greatly respected the military, valuing service, discipline, and honor.

He worked with dedication and distinction at ITT Flygt Corporation for 30 years, where he applied his leadership skills and built a reputation for professionalism and mentorship. Ed carried himself with quiet strength, showing care not through grand gestures, but through consistency, loyalty, and simply being there when it mattered most.

Ed’s faith in Jesus Christ was a guiding force in his life. A devoted servant of his faith, Ed was a Sunday school teacher at Roswell First Baptist Church and in later years he served as an usher at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Known for his practical wisdom, sense of humor, toughness and attention to detail, he often reminded those around him with some of his favorite sayings: “Are you hurt or are you injured?”, “Dot your i’s and cross your t’s”, and his signature exclamation, “Oh yeah, doggie!” He had a playful silliness, making laughter a central part of life especially for his “Annie Roo”. Ed was an amazing storyteller, captivating family and friends with his tales. A longtime fan, he loved the Dallas Cowboys, was a talented painter, an adventurer that traveled to many parts of the world, a lover of music, art and history, especially U.S. history as he was a member of the Jamestown Society. Ed enjoyed sharing his passions with family and friends.

He will be remembered with great love and missed deeply by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Above all, Ed was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Martha Ann Bailey; his son, William Edward Bailey III, and daughter-in-law, Andrea Bailey; his daughter, Kristen Amanda Neitzschman, and son-in-law, Mark Neitzschman; his cherished grandchildren, Jordan Andrew Bailey, Taylor Reade Bailey, and Peyton Edward Bailey; his sister, Kathryn Bailey Ludwig; his brother-in-law, Russell Ludwig; along with his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Edward Bailey Sr. and Kathryn Best Bailey. He took great pride in his family and leaves behind lessons of perseverance, integrity, honesty, and lasting love that will continue to guide them.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 2-4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

Afterwards Ed will take one last flight home to Georgia where a second visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, with funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m., at Bernhardt Funeral Home, 163 River St., Ellijay, Georgia, Followed by procession to graveside service at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, 110 Clear Creek Valley Drive, Ellijay, Georgia.

Flowers can be sent to either visitation as follows:

Allen Family Funeral Options flower recommendations: Fleurs and Events 214-868-7600 https://fleurs-events.com/ 

Bernhardt Funeral Home flower recommendations: Ellijay Florist 706-635-2253 ellijayflorist.com & Hometown Florists 706-635-6100 hometownfloristellijay.com