Harland D. "Bill" Bailey (1937-2010)

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Harland D. "Bill" Bailey, June 23, 1937 - Sept. 12, 2010, has died at his home in Alamogordo. He lost a 22-year battle with cancer. He was 73.
Harland was born June 23, 1937, in Paragould, Ark., to J.L. and Dona Bailey, who both preceded him in death, as did his brother J.G. Bailey and his grandson Brian Bailey Jr.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1954 and married the love of his life, Faith Sharon Goodman, on Sept. 10, 1957, in New York. Harland began serving the United States Air Force in 1958 and has combined Navy and Air Force military service of over 22 years, serving our county in many foreign countries, including Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and the Azores, as well as many states domestically, including Alaska, South Carolina, Ohio and Texas, before "retiring" in Alamogordo as a master sergeant in 1977. Harland then went on to work for Lear Siegler at Holloman Air Force Base for 12 years.
Bill was an accomplished mechanic who worked on power plants and aircraft, and restored numerous antique and classic cars. He loved spending time with family, and led his two sons to become Eagle Scouts. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and their family cat Tips, and together they toured all 48 of the continental United States by camper, fifth wheel and RV. His greatest joy was working on motorcycles and riding through the mountains with his Gold Wing family with his wife at his side.
Survivors include his beloved wife of over 53 years, Faith S. Bailey; his sister Iva Sue Hope, of Paragould; his son Brian Bailey and wife, Nicola, of Roswell, New Mexico; his son Gerald Bailey and wife Patty of Round Rock, Texas; his daughter Debbie Briones and husband, Renee, of Hayward, Calif.; nine much loved grandchildren, Amber Bailey, Alisha Bailey, Brittany Bailey, David Bailey, Randi Bailey, Ethan Kramer, Aidan Bailey, Aislinn Bailey, and Noel Briones; and three great-grandchildren, Karen Woodrome, Trevor Trevano and Kristyl Rayne Shoufelt.
Harland was a member of numerous organizations, including Gold Wing Touring Association, American Legion, American Legion Riders, Air Force Sergeants Association, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 7686, Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 1401, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 2016 and others.
Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home, 1334 N. Scenic Drive, Alamogordo. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at 9 a.m. at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home, immediately followed by graveside services with full military honors at Monte Vista Cemetery. First Baptist Church of Roswell's Senior Pastor Matt Brooks will officiate. The Fraternal Order of Eagles will host a reception following the services at the Eagles Lodge, located at 471 24th St.
The family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the arrangements. To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.
He was a deeply loved, wonderful husband and father who will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.