William "Bill" Emery Bailey

William "Bill"  Emery Bailey , 71, passed away in Okeechobee, FL on April 9, 2025 where he enjoyed many years of vacationing and  fishing.  He is survived in Kentucky by his loving wife, Virginia "Gigi", his beloved son Jason (Jennifer), and his beloved sister Linda Bailey Gorham and her husband Mike Gorham. He also is survived by his loving grandchildren, Austin (Ashley) Bailey, Taylor Bailey and Abby Bailey, as well as one nephew Greg Gorham.  Also, he leaves behind his beloved, loyal and faithful  pet dogs, Bae and Shine. He was proceeded in death by his parents Emery M. and Barbara Green Bailey.

He lived most of his life on Herrington Lake, where his wife Gigi and son Jason still reside. His work life included many different venues, and if it involved engines or motors, he was an ace mechanic. His first love of motors began with diesel engines. He was taught by some of the best and they were old school.  In his younger years, he worked for United Service Co. in Lexington, where his responsibilities included servicing equipment in the coal mines of eastern KY.  He also worked for Van Dusen Aircraft (now TACAIR) at the Bluegrass Airport where he ran the service shop for several years. Then he started and owned Bailey's Service Connection on Herrington Lake, where he returned to his love of marine mechanics.  His latest business was BABCO, where he did contract work on all the ground equipment for Allegiant Air at Blue Grass Airport. He developed many friendships on the lake, and his love for the lake never waned. Another one of his passions was his love for Harley Davidson motorcycles.  He was a charter member of the Lexington HOG (Harley Davidson Owners Group).  A few of his friends even started a motorcycle club on the lake called The Wet Bottom Boys.  His last Harley Davidson was a beautiful Police Edition Ultra.  He was a long time member of the Herrington Lake Yacht Club, along with his wife Gigi. He enjoyed many good years on his cruiser, which he kept at Kamp Kennedy Marina.  In his final years he became very involved the Masonic Fraternity, which he enjoyed immensely. He rose up through the ranks and at the time of his death, he was the sitting Worshipful Master at Lincoln 60 Lodge in Stanford. He was also a member at 4 other lodges including his Home Lodge Harrodsburg 777, Franklin 28 (Danville, KY), Lancaster 104, and Rocky Ford 765 (Hustonville, KY).

Bill's wishes are for any donations to be sent to your local Masonic Lodge to help local charities, or to Treasure Coast Hospice @ TreasureHealth.org, where they took such good care of him in his final days or to a charity of your choice.

There will be a visitation for Bill in Lexington on Thurs. May 22 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Bell House, 545 Sayre Avenue.  There will be a Masonic Rites service on Thurs. May 29.  On Sat. May 31, there will be a Celebration of his Life at Kamp Kennedy Marina on Herrington Lake from 2 pm – 6 pm.

Noon & Son Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with final care.