Billy Bryan "Bill" Bailey, 88, of Bedford, TX (formerly of Beckville, TX) passed away on Friday morning April 15, 2022 after a battle with Alzheimer's.  He was born January 8, 1934, to the marriage of Bryan and Lois Adams Bailey in Center, TX.  He attended Center ISD and went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Music and from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Master of Arts.

He met his loving wife of 67 years, Betty, at Sam Houston where they were both music majors.  They shared a life together in education where they both taught for 38 years in Beckville ISD.  Bill began as a band director in 1954 then moved to Elementary Principal and later was Assistant Superintendent.  He received many awards in the education field.  He didn't stop at retirement and continued tutoring and teaching private music lessons and worked for Raymond C. Schieffer, PC, CPA.

He was capable of many skills.  He drew house plans, built houses, and built the Beckville Little League field, Beckville baseball field, and two additional classrooms at the previous Beckville Elementary campus.  He was a faithful volunteer at Central Baptist Church building bookcases, library shelves, a living Christmas tree and anything that was needed.  He was always willing to help anyone in any way he could.  He was an accomplished musician and played alto saxophone along with his wife accompanying on piano at weddings, banquets, music club, book club, and many other occasions.  He spent many years playing with the Sounds of Swing band.  He was never one to be idle and he spent countless hours keeping his yard beautiful and decorated for every holiday along with pursuing a love of fishing, hunting, and tennis when he was younger.  His granddaughters fondly remember him pulling them in the red wagon and introducing them to music with his saxophone.  They believe he is playing now in heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Lois Bailey; and brother-in-law Dave Gorrie.

He is survived by his wife Betty; daughter Brenda Meskini and husband Mohamed; precious granddaughters Amira and Rania; sister Linda Gorrie; niece LuAnne Miller and husband Keith and children Cody and Zach Helstrom; nephew Bryan Gorrie and wife April; brother-in-law, Johnny Sullivan; and nephews John, Jeff and wife Carla, and James; aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of friends and former students.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Monty Pierce, Bro. Jerry Phillips and Dr. Charles Dodson officiating.  Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Keith Miller, Bill Harris, Andy Nixon, Garry Lilly, Frank Allums, and Dennis Smith.  Honorary pallbearers are Joe Johnson and Ray Schieffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Beckville ISD Education Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or any charity of your choice.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com .