R.I.P. Mrs. “Billie” Bailey… beloved wife of our good friend Jeff Bailey
Hello everyone. I have some bad news to share with you.
In case you have wondered why Jeff has not been posting on Imodeler recently over the past few days, this is why. Jeff is one of our “regulars”, and a very good friend of mine. He is always welcoming new members here with friendship. I call him my “Brother from another mother”, since we both served in the US Army at the same time, and we both also served in the same series of tanks, namely the M-60 A-1 and the M1A-1 series. We chewed on some of the same dirt…and have a lot of the same interests.
Jeff lost his wife of 33 years yesterday after she had a short battle with cancer. Cancer is a horrible disease. I pray that someday we can find a cure.
Today I spoke with him, and asked if it was OK to post this. He was thankful for the offer, as he has a lot on his plate at the moment. Jeff probably will be absent from here for a little while. Please understand the reasons why.
His presence will be missed, as will his dear wife Billie.
Please share a moment of silence in her memory.
Thank you.
Jordyn Collier said on October 29, 2019
Oh no. I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. If you read this, Jeff, just know that we are always here for you. I may not have been here long enough to say it, but you are part of the family. God bless.
James B Robinson said on October 29, 2019
Truly sorry to hear this. Cancer touches so many people in our lives that often we are not aware of it. Thoughts and prayers out to Jeff. Will be thinking of him.
dale travis said on October 29, 2019
My condolences to Jeff and his family.
Robert Royes said on October 29, 2019
May I offer my prayers and condolences to Jeff and his family.
Pedro L. Rocha said on October 29, 2019
These are terrible, terrible news. My deepest condolences Jeff and all your family
Tom Bebout said on October 29, 2019
I invited Jeff to meet me at the IPMS Indianapolis show three years ago. Together we ended up talking about models, aircraft, tanks, our service in the Army and I believe we also solved several of the worlds problems. World problems are easy to solve when your enjoying an Indiana pork sandwich with sweet tea over lunch. We have been lucky enough to do that ever year since.
Jeff I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife Billie. May god bliss and comfort you and your family thru these trouble times and may she rest in peace. Sending prayers your way buddy.
Jeff Bailey said on November 1, 2019
I’m still very grateful that you did that, @tom-bebout! I had a great time then, as well as the ones since then. Maybe SOMEDAY I’ll actually finish the F6F-3.
bob mack said on October 29, 2019
jeff…i’m truly sorry…your such a great guy…thoughts and prayers
Jim Sullivan said on October 29, 2019
Jeff…..So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved wife. How very sad and my condolences and prayers are with you and the family. God bless you and stay strong and may Billie rest in peace.
George R Blair Jr said on October 29, 2019
There are no words that are enough at a time like this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on October 29, 2019
Jeff this is very sad heartbreaking news. So sorry for your loss. There are no words that can be said to describe. Other than to offer our prayers to you and your wife Billie, She is at home now at peace. Louis so kind of you to let the community know one of our brothers is mourning such a deep loss of his most precious gift. Rest in peace Billie.
Jeff Bailey said on November 1, 2019
Thank you, Chuck
Marc Barris said on October 29, 2019
Hey Jeff, very sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, please accept my sincerest condolences.
Michel Verschuere said on October 29, 2019
Dear Jeff, our heartfelt thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We all feel your loss and wish you all the strength you need these days. You are a great contributor to this community and we hope to bring some relief, paying our support and respect right now.
Thanks Louis for letting us know.
Paul Nash said on October 29, 2019
Louis – Difficult to know how to help a dear friend in the sort of situation Jeff’s been in for a few years now. Jeff and I PM’d a bit since he met Billie while he was over in the UK when she worked in one of the local pubs near where I live. He retained an interest in this part of the UK ‘cos of the connection.
Jeff – Words can’t heal but hopefully fond thoughts from across the pond may help a bit.
All the best – Paul
Jeff Bailey said on November 1, 2019
Thanks, Mate! Cheers
gary sausmikat said on October 29, 2019
Jeff, so sorry. Prayers to you and your family.
Simon Whitney said on October 29, 2019
Our deepest condolences Jeff, may you find peace and light.
Simon and Rose.
Maarten said on October 29, 2019
My sincerest condolences.
May memories and the love of your family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Maarten.
Stephen W Towle said on October 29, 2019
Thoughts and prayer for reading about your loss. 33 yrs for some is a long time but, it really is a short while.
Sebastijan Videc said on October 29, 2019
Jeff, my deepest condolences.
Jeff Bailey said on October 29, 2019
Louis, Jordyn, James, Dale, Robert, Pedro, Tom, Bob, Jim, George, Chuck, Marc, Michel, Paul, Gary, Simon, Maarten, Stephen & Sebastian, thank you all for your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Jay Mitchell said on October 29, 2019
My condolences for the loss you’ve suffered. It’s a tragic loss to loose a wife and a friend. My thoughts and prayers with you during this time.
Dave Moore said on October 29, 2019
My condolences on your loss. Like so many, I have lost my mother, uncle, and friend’s father to cancer. It is a dreadful disease! I wish it upon no one to endure!
Greg Kittinger said on October 29, 2019
Prayers are on their way on your behalf Jeff! I can’t imagine your grief. Take care brother – and take time to heal.
Aleksandar Sekularac said on October 29, 2019
So sorry for your loss Jeff. Stay strong.
Allan J Withers said on October 29, 2019
Sorry to hear this very sad news Jeff, my thoughts are with you and your family, thanks Louis for letting us know.
Haslam Yeoman said on October 29, 2019
My sincerest condolences Jeff
Jeff Carle said on October 30, 2019
My deepest condolence. Cancer is a curse. I hope you find solace inches good memories.
Tolga ULGUR said on October 30, 2019
Truly sorry to hear this. My condolences to Jeff and his family
Maxim Bylkin said on October 30, 2019
My condolences, Jeff. It’s hard, and it must be experienced …
Ramon R. Lomeli said on October 31, 2019
I am so sorry to hear this Jeff. My condolences to you and your family and I hope your grief is replaced with happy memories sooner rather than later.
Jeff Bailey said on November 1, 2019
More thanks go to Jay, Dave, Greg, Aleksandar, Allan, Haslam, Jeff, Tolga, Maxim, and Ramon … not to mention anyone else who paused but didn’t comment.
We’ll be having a Celebration of Life rather than a formal service as per Billie’s wishes … and mine. This will be Mon. the 4th of Nov. from 4PM to 8PM, with a Memorial gathering at 7PM. There will be food and drinks and pitch-in is invited and welcome, but certainly not required.
Thank you all, my friends.