William Eugene (Bill) Bailey, 92, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Hilltop Home. He was born in Fredrick County, Va. on May 27, 1932 to Fern and Earl Bailey, both deceased.

In 1951 he graduated from James Wood High School, the first graduating class, where he excelled in athletics and became a member of the James Wood Hall of Fame for his outstanding basketball and baseball skills. He still holds the baseball strikeout record.

For a while he attended Shepherd College, and then joined the US Army for two years. After which he returned to Shepherd to complete his degree. He began his career as an elementary school teacher and taught for more than forty years in both Clarke and Frederick counties.

Playing on various baseball/softball teams, coaching basketball and baseball, bowling, and picking on his nieces and nephews were passions of Bill throughout his life. However, the LA Dodgers and Notre Dame were always #1.

Bill was easy to like, enjoyed many friendships, and had many former students who always seemed to relish talking with him.

Surviving is one sister, Betty Bailey (Keller) Nichols and many nieces and nephews who cared very much for Bill. Deceased siblings include Evelyn (Allen) Staples, Doug (Geraldine) Bailey, Dorothy (Pete) Keckley, Earl, Jr (Eleanor) Bailey, and Virginia (John) Solenberger.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church (Rt 522 north) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill’s honor to the James Wood Athletic Association (Hall of Fame Expenses), 161 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, VA 22603 or to a charity of your choice.