Raymond "Reb" Bailey

Raymond "Reb" Bailey, 57, of Willimantic, husband of Judith (Hartig) Bailey, died Friday, February 22, 2002 peacefully in h is home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 17, 1945 in Bluefield, West Virginia where he lived until he was 15 years old. After moving to Connecticut he graduated from E.O. Smith High School and served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force where he received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon completion he went to work for the University of Connecticut in the Landscaping Department and then in the Physical Plant Department. Ray retired from the state in 1999 and started working part time for Columbia Ford, Lincoln, Mercury up until January 2002. He was a member of the American Legion and an avid BMW biker. Besides his beloved wife he is survived by his parents, Raymond and Ruth (Lawless) Bailey of Mansfield Center, his daughter Elizabeth Bailey of Willimantic, his stepdaughters, Leann Larson of Willimantic, Michelle and her husband Jorge Espinosa and their 2 children, Brittany and Alysa of Portland, CT, his brother Dennis Bailey and his wife sandy of Mansfield Center and niece Karen of Columbia. His brothers, Robert and Carson Bailey died previously. A graveside service will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the New Willimantic Cemetery at the intersection of Rte. 32 and Rte. 6, Willimantic. There are no calling hours. I lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Connecticut Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 Furnace St. Danielson, CT 06239. Arrangements are through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic.