Joseph William "Bill" Bailey Jr.

Joseph William “Bill” Bailey Jr. passed away peacefully Saturday, October 17, in the loving embrace of his family. Bill was born Sept 24, 1935, in Lynn Haven, Florida to Judge Joseph Wm. Bailey, Sr. and Anna Louise Johnson. His parents and grandparents (DJ and Cora McDonald Bailey; Fred and Nan Smock Johnson) were among the original settlers of Lynn Haven. The Bailey bridge, connecting Lynn Haven to Southport, Florida is named for his grandfather, DJ Bailey.

Bill spent his first 2 years of college at the University of Florida and received his BA, MS degrees and achieved PhD Candidacy from The Florida State University. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Bill dedicated his life to educating and mentoring others. He began his career as a social studies teacher at both Jinks Middle School (3yrs) and Bay High (5yrs) in Panama City, and was Director of Bay Youth Center (4yrs). He was an instructor and coordinator of student teaching for the College of Education, The Florida State University. He served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum at James S. Rickards High School (22yrs), Bellevue Middle School (10yrs), Adult and Community Education night school (2yrs), as well as GED teacher for prisoners at the Springhill Road Prison (9yrs)

The greatest of Bill’s credentials is the legacy of his children, of whom he was immensely proud, who were completely present, supportive, loving, and nurturing during his 10 years with Alzheimer’s disease - sons Joseph Wm. Bailey III (Genny), Matthew Marcil Bailey of Tallahassee; daughters Kristi Anne Bailey Sukkert (Glen) of Lawrenceville, GA, Tess Marcil Bailey Wewerka (Mike) of Tallahassee.

Bill is also survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaret Marcil; Grandsons Joseph Wm. Bailey IV, Adam Stephen Bailey, Kennan Ryan Sukkert, and Hunter Raymond Wewerka; Brother Ian McDonald Bailey (Emily); Nephews Ian Jr. (Mike, Sydney), Kevin (Eva, Connor, Ian) and Robert (Hunter, Jenna, Jeffery); Brother-in-law Robert Cass; Cousins Carroll Bailey (Elaine), Rachael Grotz (Jim) Bobby Duncan (Marlene), and Merline Harbin (Nelson).

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, JoAnne Bailey Cass.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Friday from 6-8pm at a Gathering at Culley’s Funeral Home (1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee) and a memorial service Saturday at 2pm at Faith Presbyterian Church (2200 N. Meridian Rd. Tallahassee) The family asks that you wear something purple to honor Bill’s courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

At a later date, there will be a graveside service at Lynn Haven Cemetery where Bill will be buried with his family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you join “Bill’s Bunch” in the Forget Me Not Walk November 1, at Cascades Park, Tallahassee (register at http://alzheimersproject.org/); or make a contribution to either the Alzheimer’s Project (301 E Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303); or Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee.) who cared for him and his family.