Matthew William "Cheese" Bailey Jr.

Matthew William “Cheese” Bailey, Jr. passed away unexpectedly in Nashville on November 11, 2024. William was born on February 14, 1996, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Katherine VanDuzee Castle and Matthew William Bailey, Sr. He attended St. Aloysius Catholic School, Catholic High School, Dunham High, and graduated from Tara High School. William went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. A highlight of his undergraduate degree was his internship with the Atlanta Braves. William grew up playing sports in and around Baton Rouge. As he got older, he developed a love for playing golf as often as he could, which included the first time he finally beat his dad, a feat he repeatedly taunted him about. William was an avid sports fan, and especially passionate (and vocal) about LSU, The Saints and The Pelicans, and was frequently seen wearing one of their jerseys. William loved life, his pets, his friends and especially his family. 

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Katherine VanDuzee Castle and Ray Castle; his father and stepmother, Matthew William Bailey, Sr. and Holly Miller Bailey; his sister, Jordyn Reese Bailey, and his stepsister, Ava Grace Atkins. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Mary Catherine VanDuzee, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

William was preceded in death by his very loving and cherished grandparents, William Hill “Bill” VanDuzee, George William “Bill” Bailey and Patricia Mason Bailey. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue in Baton Rouge on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. A Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge - https://fotabr.org/.

We are overwhelmed and thankful for all the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. We will forever love you, Cheese! 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com