Bill Gene Bailey, 84, of Keenes, IL passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.
Bill was born on May 27, 1938 in Wayne County, IL the son of Paul & Eva Bailey. On May 30, 1958 he married Evelyn Joann (Crask) Bailey who preceded him in death. Bill was retired from working at Airtex in Fairfield, IL and was a member of the Keenes Missionary Baptist Church and a former member of Ten Mile Baptist Church in McLeansboro. He was a big fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and was a former season ticket holder for many years. He was a former coach for both men’s and women’s softball, basketball, and volleyball church leagues. Bill played softball on private league teams for many years. He loved spending time with his friends and family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Bill is survived by 2 daughters: Janice Shewmake of Wayne City and Peggy (Paul) Manning of Bluford, IL; a son David Bailey of Bluford, 3 grandchildren: Ashley Hilderbrand of Wayne City, Bradley Manning of Bluford, and Maria Manning (and fiancé Jacob Cox) of Bluford, and 2 great-grandchildren: Hunter Snee and Brielle Shewmake.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Bailey, father Paul Bailey, mother Eva Bailey-McNail, step-mother Lela Mae Bailey, his grandmother Emma Easley, who helped raise him, a daughter Theresa Bailey, a brother Larry Bailey, and 2 sisters: Carolyn Bassett and Linda Woods.
Funeral services for Bill Gene Bailey will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am on Saturday. Interment will follow the funeral service at Ten Post Oak Cemetery near Keenes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ten Post Oak Baptist Church or the Ten Post Oak Cemetery Fund, and will be accepted at Young Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.