Bailey, William (Bill) Edward 9/2/1953 - 7/5/2019 Rockford William Edward Bailey passed away on July 5, 2019 due to a brief illness compounded by leukemia. Bill, preceded in death by his parents, Max and Virginia (ne Haselbeck) Bailey, and Sister-in-law, Katie (Doele) Bailey, was born on September 2, 1953 in Benton Harbor, MI. After growing up in multiple cities in Michigan, Bill attended college at Western Michigan University. Upon graduating, after what he described as an extended stay because he was having too much fun, he began selling life insurance. Eventually, starting his own business: Bill Bailey Insurance Agency. Bill is survived by his two daughters: Jessica (Barry) DeJong and Justine (Gary) VanAlstine; two siblings: Owen (Tina) Bailey and Ginger (Dexter) Carrick; the mother of his children: Sally Bailey; nieces and nephews: Darcia (James) Brewer, Nathan Carrick, Ashley Haines, Houston (Amanda) Haines, Michael (Mara) Weston, and Steven Weston; and three grand kids: Caroline DeJong, Avery DeJong, and Gary VanAlstine III. To say Bill was knowledgeable in the life insurance field would be an understatement. He had a way of explaining complicated plans so that anyone could understand and was able to determine the best plan possible for almost any situation; his expertise benefitted all of his clients. Even people who were not his clients called seeking his advice, and he always put the time and effort in and advised even when he didn't make a penny on it, because that is how passionate Bill was about his career. Bill also had a way of interacting with people. He loved making people smile, even total strangers, especially if it seemed they were not in the smiling mood. He could find humor in almost every situation, and where there wasn't, he would make jokes to lighten it up. This gift of Bill's will truly be missed, and we will all need to try and add a little laughter to the world to compensate for this loss. Golf, as well as football, were Bill's favorite sports, so to celebrate his life we are going to hold a "Drive it Home, Bill Bailey" golf scramble at Saskatoon Golf Club on Saturday, September 14, 2019. In order to participate in this event, you must RSVP to [email protected] by August 30. If you are not a golfer and don't feel like trying your hand at golf, no worries, we will be having food in the clubhouse after golfing so you can celebrate with us at that time. You still must RSVP if you are only coming for the food portion of the celebration. (cash bar available)

--Published in Grand Rapids Press from Aug. 16 to Aug. 20, 2019

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William Bailey
Rockford, Michigan
William passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019. William was a resident of Rockford, Michigan at the time of passing.
Services provided by Ofield Funeral Home
MLive.com - Created on July 05, 2019

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William Edward Bailey
Wednesday, September 2nd, 1953 - Friday, July 5th, 2019

William Edward Bailey, 65, of Rockford, Michigan passed away on Friday, July 5th, 2019.

William was born on September 2nd, 1953, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Max and Virginia (Haselbeck) Bailey.

--Ofield Funeral Home (https://memorials.ofieldfuneralhome.com/william-bailey/3886276/index.php)