Donald Ray Bailey's Obituary
Donald Ray (Don) Bailey died on January 14, 2022 at the age of 89. Don was born in the 700 block of Fourth Street in Mt. Carmel Illinois on March 20, 1932, the son of Hallen (Bill) and Ethel Biddle Bailey. He attended Berry School and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1950.
Don’s life was forever changed when a beautiful brunette invited him to accompany her to the high school’s 1950 Masque and Gavel banquet. The girl was Betty Joyce Leach and the date would eventually lead to a lifetime of happiness for Don and Betty in Virginia. They married on January 1, 1952.
Don had a thirty six year civilian career in Washington D.C. as a Budget Analyst and Financial Manager with both the Army and Air Force which included a two year stint in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He worked at the Pentagon for twenty five years during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. Exciting times which culminated with his retirement in March 1987. Betty worked as a secretary and librarian until the children came along.
Don and Betty had 60 wonderful years together until Betty passed away in 2011 after a twelve year battle with cancer. They had four children, Doug, Greg, Nancy and Debra. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Doug and grandson David. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Dan, Sam, Carrie, Mary and John and five great-grandchildren, Jaycie, David, Colson, Kinsley and Emmalynn. Also a brother, Harold (Bunk) Bailey and wife Phyllis, nieces, Georgia King and Shirley Graetz, all of Mt. Carmel, niece and nephew Billy and Jennifer Lucas in Virginia and a close cousin Betty Dillard in Evansville, Indiana.
Interment and memorial will be private.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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