Bill Bailey of Sebastian, Fla., died suddenly on Thursday, June 19, 2025 while on vacation in Virginia with his wife of 34 years, Carolyn.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bailey; and his two sons, Carlton Bailey of Vero Beach, Fla., and Michael Bailey of Richmond. He is also survived by his brother, Reginald Bailey, his wife, Peggy Bailey, of Chesterfield; their two sons, Micah and Travis; and their families.
Bill was born on Dec. 20, 1946 in Richmond. He started working for Virginia Power before entering the Army and serving four years in the Special Forces as a Green Beret out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
After leaving the military, he became a Richmond City Police Officer, where he achieved the rank of detective sergeant serving in the Patrol, Detective Division and Vice Division. After retiring from the Richmond Police Department after 30 years, he and his wife Carolyn moved to Hartfield, where he spent the next 20 years as “Captain Bill” carrying happy fishermen and women out of Deltaville on “Teaser,” a Chesapeake Bay deadrise.
Bill was a Mason, both in Richmond and Deltaville’s Donovan Lodge, where he served as worshipful master.
He attended Zoar Baptist Church in Deltaville and took two trips to Africa to spread God’s word as well as several trips stateside. He and his wife moved to Sebastian, Fla., four years ago for some rest and relaxation. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Zoar Baptist Church in Deltaville. All are invited.
