Edward Lee Bailey, age 77, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at AdventHealth Hospital in Haines City, FL, after a year-long battle with renal cancer. He was known to family and friends by his nickname “Eddie.”
Born on Dec. 22, 1946, in Indianapolis, IN, Eddie was the firstborn of Curtis Leroy and Margaret Bailey, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Leona M. (Shipp) Bailey. Also surviving are his younger sisters Mary Bailey, Odessa, FL; and Vickie Price, San Diego, CA; and five nephews and one niece. Also surviving are a stepdaughter Melissa (Michael) Pike, and three step-granddaughters: Lauren (Evan) Diemer, Autumn Pike, and Cassandra Pike all of Shelbyville, IN, and brother-in-law Miles (Marilyn) Shipp, of Indianapolis, IN. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Bailey.
Eddie received his GED from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1965. He joined the United States Army when he was 17 years old where he learned to be a helicopter pilot. He flew a Medevac helicopter during the Viet Nam War, was shot down twice, and he received a Purple Heart. After discharge from the Army, he graduated from Gunnell School of Aeronautics in Van Nuys, California, where he learned to fly fixed-wing airplanes. Eddie became an airline pilot, working for Eastern Airlines for 10 years. He then owned a flight school in Fort Lauderdale, FL, teaching others to fly planes. Later in life, he worked for Radio Shack fixing computers. Musically talented, he worked part-time for a restaurant playing the organ while people enjoyed their dinner. His Hammond organ was a prized possession.
Eddie was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a past member of the German American Club in Hollywood, FL, where he served as Second Vice-President and Sergeant-of-Arms. Always involved in his community, he served as President of the Social Activities Committee when he lived in Davie, FL.
Baseball was his passion, and he played for a minor league in his teens. Eddie was a scout for the Florida Marlins, and he coached high school baseball teams. He greatly enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and shopping at flea markets wherever he traveled. Eddie enjoyed leather working and made many wallets, belts and a purse. He loved animals and became well known for giving treats to all the dogs he encountered on his daily walks through his neighborhood.
A Celebration of Life Service will be on a date to be announced later at the Orange Acres Ranch Clubhouse in Lake Wales, FL.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
