Charles W. Bailey Jr. MD JD

He was born on September 29, 1940, in Galveston, Texas to Dr. Charles William Bailey and Mary Love Armacost Bailey during his father’s senior year of medical school.

Bill was a graduate of Austin High School and earned his B.A. in Zoology from the University of Texas, where he was a member and president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and was a member of Phi Chi medical fraternity. He completed internships in General and Plastic Surgery at UT Hermann Hospital in Houston. In 1973, he entered private practice in plastic surgery in Houston, providing dedicated care to his wonderful patients for 33 years.

A third generation physician, Bill was shaped by medicine from birth. For over 30 years, he demonstrated a tireless commitment to organized medicine. He served as President of the Texas Medical Association during its 150th Anniversary and served as a delegate to the American Medical Association for over 15 years. Bill was Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the International College of Surgeons. He served as president of the Harris County Medical Society, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas Jury Task Force and the State of Texas Medical Disclosure Panel.

Bill attended the University of Texas School of Law and South Texas College of Law, earning his J.D. in 1980. He and his father were recognized as the only father/son physician/attorneys in the American College of Legal Medicine.

Bill’s contributions extended to civic leadership, serving on the boards of the Texas Medical Center, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank, the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Advisory Council. Bill was awarded the Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus Award by The University of Texas Medical Branch. One of his most cherished honors came in 2004 when he received the C. Frank Webber Award for Outstanding Service to Medical Students – nominated by the medical students of Texas whom he actively involved in the successful passage of Tort Reform in 2003.

Bill was passionate about running, water skiing, scuba diving, flying, hiking, underwater and nature photography, his faith in God and caring for all His creatures: deer, skunks, armadillos, fox, squirrels, butterflies, birds, fish, lizards and snakes — every puppy and kitten that Kathryn rescued became family!

In perfect paring with Bill’s love for adventure and animals was his unbelievable ability to weave a tale. Storytelling brought him immense joy – not only the tale itself, but also the reactions of his audience be it friends, family or a complete stranger.

Above all, his deepest devotion was to his family, whom he loved immensely — his wife, Sue; children Kathryn, Will and Chuck, and his five granddaughters: Anna Beth, Mary Margaret, Sophie, Elliott, and Kit. He took great pride in their achievements and found extraordinary joy in sharing his love of nature and animals with them and being an active presence in their lives.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles W. Bailey and Mary Love Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue Jacobson Bailey; sisters: Barbara Bailey Gaines and husband Jimmy of Dripping Springs, Mary Love “Bitsy” Henderson and husband Sid Mallory of Austin, and Kay Bailey Head and husband Steve of Dallas; brother-in-law Gordon Jacobson and wife Rose of Flagstaff, and sister-in-law Nan Jacobson Waller of Arlington; daughter Kathryn Bailey Burniston and husband Michael of Kerrville, son Charles “Will” Bailey III and wife Juliet of Framingham, Mass., Charles Luedemann and wife Elizabeth of Houston; and five granddaughters: Anna Beth and Mary Margaret Burniston, Sophia Bailey, Elliott and Catherine “Kit” Luedemann. Also survived by nieces and nephews: Anna Moss and husband Ryan, P.J. Henderson and wife Autumn, Charlie Henderson and wife Anne, Sheridan Sheehan and husband Pat, Scott Head and wife Katie, Brandon Waller and wife Amber, Jimmy Gaines, Jr and wife Dori, Randy Gaines and wife Michelle, and so many cherished cousins and beloved friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Demetrius Loukas, Dr. Margaret Cook, Marcia Wilcoxen, R.N. and the dedicated staff at Fresenius, as well as the compassionate caregivers at Christopher House.

Visitation will take place Friday, August 8 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 5416 Parkcrest, Austin, Texas and will be live streamed. A private burial will be held at Austin Memorial Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire appropriate for a celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family invite you to send memorial contributions to:

The Charles William Bailey, MD, JD Class of ‘41 & Charles William Bailey, Jr, MD, JD Class of ’67 Scholarship in the John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB benefiting aspiring physicians during their fourth year of medical school.

Gifts may be made online at https.//www.utmb.edu/giving

or checks may be mailed to:

Office of Development

301 University Boulevard

Galveston, TX 77555-0148

or

Shriners Children's Texas

Suite 523

815 Market Street

Galveston, TX 77550

https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/campaign/shriners-childrens-fundraise-in-memory/c619498

844-739-0849

Office of Philanthropy

815 Market St

Galveston, TX 77550

409-750-7768

Or to a charity of your choice.