George Ralph Bailey

NEW ELLENTON, SC – George R. Bailey, 88, widower of Jean Doig Bailey, his beloved wife of 58 years,died Friday, 23 September 2011 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. A native of Montreal, Canada, Mr. Bailey was a son of the late Everett Francis and Ethel Margaret Davies Bailey. His father Everett served in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and despite contracting polio, built his own business making picture lamps in Waterloo, Canada. George was a WW II veteran who served as a Sergeant in the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, 42nd Battalion (1939-1945). Inspired to learn the bagpipes, he took them up in his 50s, and played in several pipe bands in CT and FL; one special occasion was playing at The America’s Cup Ball in 1977. He became a U.S. citizen in 1956 when he immigrated with his family to Levittown, NY, which is where he also became an active member of the British War Veterans. He relocated with his family in 1964 to North Stonington, CT, where they resided for 32 years. He worked for General Dynamics, Electric Boat in Groton, CT, for 28 years and retired as a Senior Draftsman for nuclear submarines. After retirement, he moved to Ocala, FL, where he resided for 13 years, and was active in the Scottish Society, the Marion Landing Sr. Games and the choral group “Landing Lights.” With his wife, Jean, he loved music, ballroom dancing, playing bridge and travel. He enjoyed playing pool and after moving to Aiken, SC, in 2009, was happy to be able to continue to play at the VFW. Survivors include three daughters, Heather Carley, Windsor, CA, Janice Brott, Aiken, SC, Barbara Reich, Aloha, OR; two sons, Bob Bailey, San Leandro, CA and Doug Bailey, Groton, CT; five grandchildren, Jessica Bragdon, Dustin Brott, Connor Bailey, Mackayla Reich and Bryce Reich, and two great grandchildren, Cooper Bragdon and Sawyer Bragdon. Funeral will be at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home in Aiken on Saturday, 8 September 2011. In lieu of flowers, our father would want donations to be made to Boys Town or Disabled American Veterans or a charity of your choice. SHELLHOUSE- RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Ralph Bailey, please visit our flower store.