George Bailey

Dr. George William “Bill” Bailey

“Jesus, please remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”  George William “Bill” Bailey passed away peacefully with his rosary in hand in Baton Rouge on January 18, 2023.  He was born in Monmouth, Illinois on May 14, 1930 to Doris and Clarence Bailey.  Educated in Monmouth Catholic and public schools, Bill received his B.S. Degree from Monmouth College in 1952, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1955.  Bill married his wife, Patricia J. Mason on June 13, 1953, at St. John’s Chapel on the campus of the University of Illinois. Bill and his wife, Pat, moved to Baton Rouge in 1958 to begin his career with Exxon. Bill immediately became an active member of the Baton Rouge community. His first accomplishment in the community was to help establish St. Thomas More Church and School in Sherwood Forest. As a founding member of St. Thomas More Parish, Bill embarked on 50 plus years of dedicated service to St. Thomas More Church, St. Thomas More School and the Baton Rouge community. Bill’s many church and community activities included: Sherwood Forest Civic Association – President and Board Member; Louisiana Society for Microscopy – Co-founder, Chairman, Secretary and Board Member; Citizens for Good Government – Co-founder and Area Chairman; Louisiana Citizens for Decency – Co-founder and Board Member; East Baton Rouge Parish Bi-Racial Committee – Charter Member; East Baton Rouge Democratic Executive Committee; Louisiana Commission for Administration of Criminal Justice – Member; St. Thomas More Board of Education – Chairman; St. Thomas More Parish Council – Vice Chairman; St. Joseph’s Academy Advisory Board – Chairman; Manresa Retreat House – Captain; Exxon Research Annuitant Club – Chairman and Board Member.  In addition, Bill served on Committees for United Way, East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation and Parks Commission, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Science Program, Boy Scouts, and the YMCA. Bill was also active in the Microscopy Society of America having served as the Proceedings Editor for 37 years. Survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Patricia J. Bailey;  children Michael Bailey, Lisa Harrell, Marc Bailey and Matt Bailey; and grandchildren Ashley Bailey, Patrick Bailey, Mason Harrell, Trent Harrell, Cameron Harrell, William Bailey and Jordyn Reese Bailey.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Doris Bailey, and sisters Rosemary Bailey Daniels and Martha Lee Bailey Connell, and his favorite pastor, walking companion and best friend, Msgr. William L. Greene.  Visitation to be held at St. Thomas More Church beginning at 9:30 am on Monday, January 23, 2023, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at the Church to be celebrated by Father Al Davidson followed by burial at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, St. Thomas More School Building Fund or Manresa House of Retreats.