Dr. Ralph Vincent Bailey of Austin, TX, peacefully passed away on July 23, 2021 (his 76th Birthday) after a courageous and decades long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. In his final days, Ralph was surrounded by his loved ones and enjoyed songs, prayers, and laughs; just as he had lived his life. Ralph embodied the old sailor’s saying: “you can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” While he could not control what the disease would do to his body, early on he “adjusted his sails” and decided it would never take away his mind, spirit, or soul.
Ralph was a third generation Austinite. His grandfather operated a nursery on land that is now the Rosedale neighborhood. Back then Austin ended at 35th street and was a far cry from bustling metropolis we know today. Ralph was born on July 23, 1945 and was part of the inaugural class at Casis Elementary. From an early age, Ralph was passionate about the outdoors. He was a dedicated Boy Scout, eventually achieving its highest rank of Eagle Scout. Ralph graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1963.
As a lifelong Longhorn fan, Ralph followed in his parent’s footsteps and attended the University of Texas, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. Ralph graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. Like his father and grandfather, Ralph had a calling to practice medicine. He went on to get his Doctor of Medicine at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas; completed his General Surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS; and his Colon & Rectal Surgery residency at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, NJ.
Ralph returned to Austin to practice medicine with his father, Joe Weldon Bailey, MD, where he quickly became a skilled surgeon with a steady hand, a calm disposition, and a dedication to his trade. But it was not Ralph’s skills as a surgeon that set him apart, but rather his desire to heal. He took a personal approach and interest in every patient. His authenticity was contagious. Some of his proudest possessions where the personal notes, gifts, and tokens he received from his patients as a thank you for his dedication to healing them and recognizing his empathy and compassion for them. Ralph was involved in many areas of leadership in the medical community including, Seton Hospital, Travis County Medical Society, Christian Medical Society, and the American Society of Colon Rectal Surgeons.
Ralph had a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was proud to serve as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Hyde Park Baptist Church. He was involved in global missionary work and the Jesus film with Campus Crusade with Christ. He generously gave to many religious organizations and exemplified his faith in every area of his life. He was a role model and inspiration to many throughout his life.
Ralph had two lifelong hobbies that he was equally passionate about, music and sailing. If the wind was blowing (and sometimes when it was not) you knew where to find Ralph. Countless memories were made with family and friends on Lake Travis in the family’s beloved Pearson 26, the “Aku Tiki.” He was also a beautiful singer, pianist, guitarist, and sang countless hymns from memory up until the very end.
Ralph’s biggest joy was his family. He met the love of his life, Jennifer Bailey, while at his residency in Jackson, MS. They married in 1973 and moved back to Austin following his medical training. His daughter, Rachel Bailey, was born in 1975 and his son, John Bailey was born in 1978. Despite his busy schedule and numerous commitments, Ralph always made time for his family. He was a great mentor, listener, role model to his children, and husband.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Joe Weldon and Margaret Bailey, and infant brother Ben Sinclair Bailey. He is survived by Jennifer Bailey (Columbus, MI), daughter Rachel Bailey & Andy Lesh (Austin), son John & DeeDee Bailey (Dallas), grandchildren Jackson and Preston Bailey, brothers Joe & Carolyn Bailey (Muldoon, TX), Lee & Nancy Bailey (Bandera, TX), and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/)
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