BRUCE BAILEY

Bruce W. Bailey “Buddy”, 89, died peacefully on November 14, 2019, at a local nursing home.

He was born on July 31, 1930 in Texarkana, AR. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving honorably from 1948 to 1952. He was a member of Moose International and an avid participant in the Moose Lodge’s social activities with a special passion for dominoes and winning. He loved all games related to math, especially Sudoku. He was equally passionate about his very large barge on Lake Texarkana (Wright Patman), built with the help of his friends and partners, spending as many days and nights as possible on the lake throughout the 1960s through 90s, always welcoming those that wanted to climb aboard with a bright and cheery smile. He had an uncanny sense for mechanics and could fix just about anything, and often did for anyone that asked a favor. He loved his part time job in his golden years picking up medical samples and delivering to the airport as it allowed him to meet and greet so many new people everyday. He will forever be remembered for “Bruce is Loose at The Moose!”

Bruce is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Joan Davis; his life partner of over 30 years, Sue Adams; and his sister Dalia Hamm of Dallas. Bruce is survived by his children Brad S. Bailey, Carol Bailey Brinson (NC), and Vivien Bailey-Barnum (NY); his stepbrother and wife John Matt and Rachel Gibson of Texarkana; and his niece and nephew, Kathy Hamm Jones and Robin Hamm of Dallas.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at the Moose Lodge in Texarkana, 415 S. Robison Road, on Tuesday, Nov. 19th at 5:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served. For info call Rachel Gibson, 903-277-4526.