Marvin "Bill" William Bailey

He was born Dec. 13, 1925, in Columbia, S.C., and was the son of Marvin Christopher and Minnie Rae Kelly Bailey.

His family later moved to Gastonia, where Bill attended school.

He joined the Navy in July 1943 at the age of 17 and was a veteran of World War II. After his discharge in June 1946, he returned home to finish his education at Gastonia High School.

After graduation he was employed with Southern Railway in Miami, Fla., and Chicago, Ill. He later moved to California and was employed, in management, with Queen Colony Fruit Exchange, a member of Sunkist Growers.

He retired from Sunkist in 1987.

Bill was the epitome of a gentlemen, always kind, polite and considerate of others. Those who knew him always referred to him as the sweetest man. He loved animals, to play golf, and travel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Bailey, and his sister Carolyn Kayler, and his former wife, Lorraine E. Myers Bailey.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Billie Purcell Bailey, who was classmate in high school. His nieces, Ann Kayler, Milliken of Charlotte, Lori Kayler Plyler of Atlanta, Ga., Beth Bailey Petty of Tallahassee, Fla. His nephews, Joseph Kayler and Robert Kayler of Gastonia, David Bailey of Ormand Beach, Fla., his wife’s son, Robert Scott of Monroe, N.C., her grandson, Colter Scott and her granddaughter Misty Youngs of Charlotte, N.C., and his special canine friend, Lucie Loo.

A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, N.C. The Rev. Peggy Bridgers will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C., the Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, N.C., or Hospice of Charlotte, 1420 E. Seventh St., Charlotte, N.C.

Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia, is serving the Bailey family.