Life Story for Jerry L. Bailey
Jerry Leroy Bailey passed peacefully on January 23, 2019 at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon after a courageous battle for life. Jerry was born on July 24, 1947 and was 71 years of age at the time of his passing.
Jerry was born to Pearl and James O. "Barney" Bailey Sr. in Hood River Oregon. He attended Mount Hood School, Parkdale, and graduated from Wy'East High School in 1965. Upon completion of his education, Jerry was a service station attendant for Standard Oil Company and then started working at Neal Creek Mill on the green chain.
He was drafted into the United States Army on June 26, 1967 at the age of 20. He was trained as a Field Artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of his training, he was stationed in The Republic of Vietnam serving through the infamous Tet Offensive. Jerry received an Honorable Discharge on June 27, 1969 and returned to his home in Hood River, Oregon.
He began a career in the construction field working for his brother James "Hap" Bailey. He was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He continued his work there until the company dissolved. Jerry then went to work for another brother, Emmett "Tom" Bailey also as an equipment operator and truck driver.
Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Weatherill, on August 2, 1985 and remained by her side until her passing on February 28, 2012.
Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a rock hound. He loved spending his time in the forests and searching for “The elusive Elk" and “The perfect rock". As a sports fan, he loved the Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Seahawks, and of course the Oregon Ducks! Jerry also enjoyed country music, western movies, and action movies and he had a great love for animals, especially his dog Pearl.
Jerry's last years were spent at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles Oregon, where he was vice president of the residents’ committee and considered by all to be the official greeter for new residents.
Jerry's love of family was known by all who met him. His kind heart was always worn on his sleeve.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna; as well as his mother and father, Pearl and Barney Bailey; siblings, Floyd "Mugs" Bailey, James O. "Hap" Bailey Jr., Bobby Joe Bailey, Orville "Smoke" Bailey, Anna Lou Sappington, Rhonda Galster, and younger brother Doug Bailey.
Jerry is survived by two brothers and a sister; Art "Butch" Bailey, Phyllis Holland, and Emmett "Tom" Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews…to many to be listed.
Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Wy'East Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Jerry was born to Pearl and James O. "Barney" Bailey Sr. in Hood River Oregon. He attended Mount Hood School, Parkdale, and graduated from Wy'East High School in 1965. Upon completion of his education, Jerry was a service station attendant for Standard Oil Company and then started working at Neal Creek Mill on the green chain.
He was drafted into the United States Army on June 26, 1967 at the age of 20. He was trained as a Field Artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of his training, he was stationed in The Republic of Vietnam serving through the infamous Tet Offensive. Jerry received an Honorable Discharge on June 27, 1969 and returned to his home in Hood River, Oregon.
He began a career in the construction field working for his brother James "Hap" Bailey. He was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He continued his work there until the company dissolved. Jerry then went to work for another brother, Emmett "Tom" Bailey also as an equipment operator and truck driver.
Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Weatherill, on August 2, 1985 and remained by her side until her passing on February 28, 2012.
Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a rock hound. He loved spending his time in the forests and searching for “The elusive Elk" and “The perfect rock". As a sports fan, he loved the Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Seahawks, and of course the Oregon Ducks! Jerry also enjoyed country music, western movies, and action movies and he had a great love for animals, especially his dog Pearl.
Jerry's last years were spent at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles Oregon, where he was vice president of the residents’ committee and considered by all to be the official greeter for new residents.
Jerry's love of family was known by all who met him. His kind heart was always worn on his sleeve.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna; as well as his mother and father, Pearl and Barney Bailey; siblings, Floyd "Mugs" Bailey, James O. "Hap" Bailey Jr., Bobby Joe Bailey, Orville "Smoke" Bailey, Anna Lou Sappington, Rhonda Galster, and younger brother Doug Bailey.
Jerry is survived by two brothers and a sister; Art "Butch" Bailey, Phyllis Holland, and Emmett "Tom" Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews…to many to be listed.
Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Wy'East Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.