Lester Lev “Bill” Bailey, age 78, of Anderson, passed away at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston on Sunday, November 24, 2013. Born in Canon, GA, he was the son of the late Denzil Gracen Bailey and the late Edna Sue Peeples Bailey. He was the loving and devoted husband of Judy Bailey of the residence, and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Mr. Bailey was retired from Monroe Auto Equipment Company, where he served as a shipping clerk. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict in the US Navy aboard the USS James C. Owens (DD776), as a Boatswain's Mate. Lev was also a lifetime member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and a disabled veteran.
In addition to his wife, Judy, survivors include 3 step-sons James R. Welsh (Diane) of Iva, Donald Haynie Welsh (Carolyn) of Easley, and Mike McCollum (Stephanie) of Anderson; 3 step-daughters, Sonja W. Templeton (Tommy) of Rock Hill, SC, Sandra W. Hembree (Ralph) of Gastonia, NC, and Sheila W. Cheek (Doug) of Taylors, SC; 1 brother, Eddie Dean Bailey of Hartwell, GA; and a sister, Mary Lou Cleveland, also of Hartwell. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Haynie Welsh Bailey; brothers Hershel Bailey and Jerry Daniel Bailey; and a sister Gracie Allen Bailey.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Bailey will be held on Friday, November 29, 2013, at 2 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, with Rev. Paul Frey officiating. Interment will follow at New Silver Brook Cemetery. The family will be at the residence and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Friday from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM.
The family suggests contributions in memory of Mr. Bailey be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund,1809 North Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.