George Bailey was born on March 16th, 1948, to James Robert and Marjorie Elizabeth Bailey in Wadsworth, Ohio. In the 60's the Bailey family moved to Searcy, Arkansas to escape the Ohio winters.
After graduating from High School George joined the Navy in 1967 and became a Navy Corpsman. He was stationed at the second marine division in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served in the Second Recon Battalion. In 1971, he was released from active duty and was transferred to the Naval Reserve.
George then attended 2 years of college at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Arkansas. He took a job as a technician in a cardiac cath lab at the University of Arkansas Hospitals and Clinics. He stayed at the job for 27 years retiring at the age of 56. He retired on the same day that he married his wife, Mary.
His dream was to spend his retirement in the beautiful state of Montana, which he did. He and his wife along with 9 dogs and 9 cats moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Columbus, Montana. For 15 years he and Mary thoroughly enjoyed many adventures including, hunting, exploring the state, 4 wheeling, riding his motorcycle, spending time at our cabin in Nye and meeting new friends.
George liked lots of horsepower and his latest hobby was working on his 1966 Nova. He also collected guns and enjoyed shooting. George enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes and oriental restaurants. He had a soft heart for homeless animals. We always had several dogs and cats that had been abandoned or found their way to our property. He would spend his last dime making sure the dogs and cats had their food and medicine.
George was a proud American and firmly believed in the principles and values that make our country great. He was proud of his service to our country. During his last days at the Beartooth Manor in Columbus, his window looked out over the Yellowstone River, the Beartooth Mountains and our American flag flying proudly in the front of the building. There couldn't have been a better view.
George is predeceased in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Mary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Billings Animal Rescue Kare, 4017 1st Ave. N., Billings, Mt 59101 694-1107 or Help for Homeless Pets, PO Box 1282 Billings, Mt 59103 896-1700
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
smithfuneralchapels.com
