Courtland – William Cornelius "Bill" Bailey, Sr. passed away peacefully on September 10, 2023 at Southampton Memorial Hospital at the age of 87.  He was born in Handsom, Virginia to the late Tilman Vann and Rosa Francis Bailey.  Bill married Virginia Ann and started his family on the Bailey family farm.

Bill retired from Birdsong Peanuts and continued working after retirement with the Virginia Cooperative showing his love for crops and farming.  He enjoyed going to the mountains and listening to live music while there.  He took many trips, but one of his favorite places to visit was Marion, VA to see a country music show that was filmed for television and if you watched it, you may have caught a glimpse of Bill and Virginia Ann in the audience.  Bill loved his family and his farm and enjoyed when everyone could be together there – you could see the pride and happiness it brought him.

Bill was predeceased by three brothers, four sisters, and his son-in-law, Earl Gunn.  Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Virginia Ann Bailey; their four children, Susan Gunn (Robbie), William Bailey, Jr. (Vanessa), Keith Bailey (Sheila), and Brad Bailey (Dan); four grandchildren, April Overton (Jesse), Kevin Gunn (Erin), Crystal Brownfield (John), and Sarah Leach (Caleb); and seven great grandchildren.

A special thank you to the many caregivers that helped him at home, the support of The Village at Woods Edge and the staff at East Pavilion Skilled Care.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2PM Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor John D. Kinsey officiating.   Burial will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.  The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Baptist Church, 951 W. Atlantic St., Emporia, VA 23847.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org