R. B. "Lucky" Bailey

Ronald Bruce R.B. "Lucky" Bailey was born May 31, 1931 in Pueblo, CO to Eva Viola Whittemore and Gordon Russell Whittemore and adopted by grandparents Norman and Maude Bailey. Growing up he moved frequently as his grandfather was a Federal Agent. He entered the USAF in June 1948 at the age of 17. After being stationed in Alaska he came to Goodfellow AFB where he met Mary Anne, his wife of 64 1/2 yrs. They were married in Galveston, TX on June 15, 1951. During his career, he worked retail grocers prior to being employed by General Telephone Company for 31 yrs. He never completely retired as he had many hobbies and interests. He customized many cars in his own special way. We all enjoyed "off roading" in these vehicles. He never left a factory paintjob on any vehicle. He had a "special knack" with spray paint and colored markers. He was constantly tinkering with toys. He built gas powered airplanes, slot car tracks and entire train cities. He was a collector of many things. He was co-owner of the Yamaha Rental Agency and an auto wrecking yard. After retiring from GTE he worked as a bus driver for SAISD. In early years, he worked as a flagman at the race tracks on Airport Rd and Arden Rd., transporting vehicles and worked as Reserve Deputy for the Tom Green County Sheriff's Department. His greatest joy was music. He learned to play a guitar that Mary Anne bought for him. They spent many hours playing together when she would play the piano and he, the guitar. He was a musician in several bands throughout the years. He never missed a gig. His music was very important to him. The Concho Valley Sound was like a second name to him. There were other bands he was associated with, the most recent being The Partners Band. Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Jym Trimble, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. He is survived by son Darrell Lynn Bailey & wife Cindy, daughter Denette Renee Trimble & husband Jym and Darren Lee Bailey & wife Shelly, grandchildren Justin Parsley & wife Haley, Marisha Bailey, Brendi Parsley, Warren Bailey and one great grandchild and a brother; Jan Goodman and wife, Okcha of El Paso, TX Pallbearers will be Warren Bailey, Justin Parsley, Mack Henry, Darren Bailey, Darrell Bailey and Josh Pritchett. Honorary pallbearer is Pete Skains. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Anne Bailey and daughter Shana Tylene Bailey. Special thanks to Interim Hospice and Meals for the Elderly.