George Vincent Bailey Sr.

Mr. Bailey was born at home in Forest Hill, LA to Allen Monroe and Bessie Sirman Bailey on August 12, 1930. After graduating from Forest Hill High School, he attended John McNeese Junior College and graduated from LSU in Civil Engineering in 1952. George entered the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS where he met, on a blind date, his future bride and forever love, Julia Marie Gray. After a whirlwind 2 month courtship, and after obtaining the requisite blessing from his future in-laws, Wilbur and Rubie Gray, George and Julia were married in First Baptist Church, Waskom, TX on January 30, 1954. In April of 1954, George began a one year tour of duty in Korea as an Airborne Electronics Officer. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1955, George began his Civil Engineering and Structural Design career with Robert L. Miller and Associates in Lake Charles from 1955-1957. He furthered his career with D.W. Jesson and Associates from 1957 to 1961, during which time his projects included designing the original Lake Charles Regional Airport. In 1961, George and U.E. Hackett, Jr formed Hackett and Bailey – Architects-Civil Engineers. Though their projects were extensive and diverse, their main focus was on local school board and police jury projects. George was principal in charge of all engineering and land surveying projects. Most of his work was centered in Cameron Parish where he was the appointed Cameron Parish Civil Engineer for many years. He was instrumental in bringing civil structure to an untamed parish. George designed and paved hundreds of miles of parish roads, and built numerous sewage, drainage, water systems and fire stations throughout Cameron Parish. The Mermentau – Gulf of Mexico Navigation Channel was a major project during this time. In Lake Charles, George designed and oversaw construction of athletic facilities at the new Barbe High School, and was the founding president of the Barbe Buccaneers Athletic Association (Booster Club). His personal relationship with Jesus Christ led him to serve in many roles at Trinity Baptist Church and most recently at Sales Street Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. George was a 50+ year 32 degree Master Mason of Rudolph Krause Lodge No. 433.

George was the proud father of three children, Dr. G Vincent Bailey, Jr (Ann Grosze), Julia “Jugy” McCarthy (Jim), and Dr. Gray Bailey, Sr (Beth Savoy). Poppy was crazy about his 9 grandchildren, Dr. Joel Bailey (Dr. Krystle Baker), Daniel Bailey, JD (Anne Talhelm), Annalia Bailey, Dr. Ashley McCarthy Cagle (Peyton), Michael McCarthy (Lindsey Sibley), Rachel Pigott (Phillip), Madeline Bailey, Gray Bailey, Jr, and Alexis Bailey. His newest loves are his 6 great grandchildren, Makayla , Gatlin and Gunner Cagle, Elijah Bailey, Mia Pigott, and Gabrielle “Ellie” Bailey.

Preceeding George in death were his parents, Allen and Bessie Bailey, and older brothers, Natie, William and Barney Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Julia Gray Bailey, sister, Aline (J.D) Ford, and youngest brother, Paul (Wanda) Bailey.

Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with the funeral service starting at 11:00 AM in the Hixson Chapel. Burial will be in the Paul Cemetary in Forest Hill, LA. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com