William E. Bailey

William (Bill) Edward Bailey was born July 16, 1939, and went to be with the Lord May 12, 2016. Bill was born to Robert H. Bailey and Gladys R. Bailey in Philadelphia, Pa., joining his big brother Bob. While there, he and his brother attended the local parochial schools. The family then moved to California just prior to his middle school years, living for a short time in Blyth, then to San Diego. Bill attended middle school and then Kearney High School, graduating in 1958. While at Kearney, he enjoyed singing in the choir and playing football, at which he excelled, playing all four years. Just prior to graduation he enlisted in the Navy Reserves, serving two years active duty and four years as a Reserve. In 1959, he married Billy Joanne Bain. Together they had three sons, William J., David D. and Richard E. Bailey. They divorced in 1983. Bill was hired at San Diego Gas & Electric in 1958. He was later called to active duty, then returned to San Diego Gas & Electric until 1977 when the family moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. He worked at various places in Sandpoint including Safeway, Bonner General Hospital, Petrolane and Stimson Lumber, retiring from there in 2002. He also operated his own appliance repair business. Among his passions were gardening, his never-wavering faith in God, attending church, his five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and cruising the highways on his Softail Heritage Harley. Bill is survived by his three sons and their spouses, Bill Bailey of Spokane, Wash., David and Delphine Bailey of Dayton, Wash., and Rick and Sheila Bailey of Sandpoint; and by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bob Bailey. He will be greatly missed by his family, numerous friends and all of the children he happily handed out candy to every Sunday at church. The memorial service for Bill will be held on June 4, at 1 p.m. at the Sandpoint Christian Center, 1925 North Boyer Ave., Sandpoint.