Bill Ray Bailey

Bill left this world of pain to be with his loving God, mother, father and brother, Evan Howell, on Sunday morning, January 30, 2011, peacefully in his sleep.

He was born to Alma (Green) and Clarence Bailey in Big Springs, Texas, February 23, 1945. The family moved to Everett that same year. He graduated Everett High in 1963.

Bill was married to Mary, with whom he had three sons, Michael, Gary and David.

Having several career options he chose to work for the City of Everett's Public Works, in the Street division. Starting as a truck driver, he moved to heavy equipment, then quickly to Supervisor for the last 25 of his 42 years there. He retired October 31, 2010.

He married Dianne in 1974, helping to raise three more sons, Billy, Art and Gary Cooper.

One great love for Bill was salmon fishing. He was one of four main promoters of the Annual Everett Salmon Derby in the 80's and 90's, which the City of Everett merchants sponsored. He spent many hours enjoying just the motion of the boat on the water.

He was on the Board of directors for Marvel Industries for eight years, which gave assistance and jobs to disabled adults in the wood working industry.

Bill also had a love for camping in the great outdoors. He felt the need for family security, so he and Dianne joined and have been members of the Pilaguamish Community Club since 1991. Once there, he joined the Park Board. The president saw a need and requested Bill to volunteer time to supervise the maintenance of the park. He did so for the past 16 years.

Bill was a big man with a heart to match. The job he did best was to supervise, whether it was his crew at the city, or the rangers at Pilly, or his sons at home and grown, all learned from his knowledge.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Dianne; their six sons; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves his best friend, John Moen; and friends, Larry, Sonny and Gordy; plus many others.

A special thanks for the caring doctors assisting Bill for many years at WWMG and the CCU at Providence Colby Campus.

Services will be held this Friday, February 4, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2617 Cedar Ave., Everett. Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. prior to the Mass at 6:30 p.m. The celebration of Bill Bailey's life will be in the adjoining hall directly afterwards. Cremation is through Purdy & Walters w/ Cassidy. Arrangements are in the care of Purdy & Walters w/ Cassidy.