Gary William Bailey

Gary W. Bailey passed away peacefully on April 11, 2021 of natural causes at the age of 88. Gary was born on October 22, 1932 in San Diego, CA to Kenneth and Evelyn Bailey. Gary had one sister, Joan McElroy, that preceded him in death. In 1959, Gary moved to Rogue River, OR and married Esther V. Smith, who preceded him in death. They had seven children: Mitchell Bailey (deceased), Michael Bailey (deceased), Cheryl Rhorbaugh, Wayne Bailey, Garilynn Tocher, Cindy Burns and Karen Evans. In 1974, Gary married Donna Lee Isom who has 3 sons, Michael, Mark and Matthew Isom.

When Gary moved to Oregon, he was a skilled cabinet maker by trade, then started Gary Bailey Construction specializing in commercial properties throughout Southern Oregon. Many of the banks, schools, churches, stadiums throughout Josephine, Jackson and Douglas counties are still in use to this day.

In his retirement, Gary and his wife, Donna of 46 years, enjoyed boating and fishing in Alaska and Canada, navigating the inland passage many times. They wintered in Arizona and lived a very active social life of golf and tennis. Gary and Donna enjoyed creating and building custom bird houses that they donated to charity. He also shared his woodworking and building talents with family, friends and charitable organizations. He loved fishing and hunting in his younger years, but in retirement loved many years as the camp host and chauffeur for his sons and grandsons annual hunting trips.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Bailey, 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park alongside his son Mitchell and mother Evelyn. In lieu of flowers, Donna would appreciate any gifts or donations be sent to the Rogue River School District for the Mitchell and Michael Bailey Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1045, Rogue River OR 97537 or a charity of your choice.