William "Bill" Bailey

William Fargo “Bill” Bailey, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 13, in the presence of his loving family. Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father, talented salesman and friend to all. His positive attitude, good humor, quick wit and storytelling abilities were hallmarks of his personality. He taught us to always look forward, stay positive and to never live in the past.

Bill was born in Salt Lake City on November 10, 1921, to William Albert “W.A.” Bailey and Dorothy Fargo. He graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah where he pledged Sigma Nu. In 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the 264th Platoon. He was a member of the “greatest generation” and fought in the Battle of Midway. The discipline he learned in the Marine Corps helped shape the man he became. Shortly after he received his honorable discharge, his life changed forever when he met Royce Kane. He and Royce were married on April 10, 1947, at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Salt Lake City, and last year celebrated their sixty second wedding anniversary.

Bill worked with his father to build the Bailey Tire Company, which was an iconic fixture located at the corner of 300 West and 300 South for over fifty years. Bailey Tire became one of the most successful Firestone tire dealers in the United States. Bill served as a member of the Firestone National Dealers’ Council. He was also a former member of Rotary.

Bill had two hobbies that he pursued with unrestrained passion, golf and bridge. He was a member of the Salt Lake Country Club and played golf for many years with the Gang, the Dunn Group, the Rabbits and others. Retirement from the tire business only meant that he could increase his golf to six days a week. When asked why he didn’t play seven days a week, he remarked “everybody needs a day off.” Later in life, he found his second but equally addicting hobby, bridge. He played bridge at the Salt Lake Country Club, the Alta Club and the Bridge Center. The friends he made on the golf course and playing bridge were his very best friends and they supported him throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents.