Billie Robert Bailey

Billie Robert “Bill” Bailey, a beloved brother, uncle, father and son, passed away on March 25, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on October 27, 1945, in El Paso, Texas to Billie and Jane Bailey, Bill was a true Texas native through and through.

Bill’s early life in El Paso, Texas, was filled with the joys of Southwestern simplicity and the bonds of close-knit family ties. He graduated from High School and eventually enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War where he served aboard two aircraft carriers as a photo-journalist and editor. Following his service he obtained his master’s degree in Industrial Arts at North Texas State University. He taught high school photography, and was a Technical Instructor and Doctoral Assistant at the university level. Bill also worked as an Industrial Engineer in the private sector and later worked in administration at El Paso Community College.

Bill’s main passions were music, writing and photography. Bill was a talented musician for much of his life, playing guitar and bass in rock, blues and jazz bands that traveled the west. He also performed during his time in the Navy, in such places as Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Singapore. Writing was of particular enjoyment for Bill and as a photojournalist in the Navy, he wrote news and feature stories about combat operations, and about many Asian ports-of-call. Bill also wrote numerous short stories and novels generally about people nurtured in the fading cultural legacy of the west and of Texas in particular.

Predeceased by his father-Billie, mother- Jane, brother-James and sister- Jeanne, Bill leaves a legacy of love, humor and the appreciation of music. He is survived by his siblings, Danna, Charlie, Jack, Joanie, Amy and Beth, as well as his cherished daughter Terri and grandchildren, Megan, Billy, and Anderson.

Graveside services to honor Bill’s life will be held on April 12, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906.