Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1957
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
William Bailey, Jr. Obituary
William Floyd Bailey, Jr. departed this life peacefully with his wife loving and caring for him during his final hours on Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home in Hopewell, Virginia. Will was born July 10, 1957, in his hometown of Lexington, Virginia, to Joan and William Floyd Bailey, Sr. He was the second oldest with three sisters.
“Will” was baptized at an early age and was an active lifetime member of First Baptist Church in his hometown and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Milton, Florida, where he served as an usher. Later, he attended Friendship Baptist Church while living in Hopewell, Virginia.
Will graduated from Lexington High School before going on to serve in the U.S. Army for over 22 years working alongside distinguished Generals at the Pentagon, before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the Army, Will worked for Virginia Commonwealth University for over 15 years. In both roles, he was responsible for all computer and supply systems, ensuring their functionality and security.
He enjoyed helping others and was well known for being a jokester. Will was known for being athletic, including his love for golfing with his brothers on the green, grilling and watching football (GO Green Bay). Will prioritized family connections and was a keystone in coordinating the “Styles Family Reunion”. He ensured everybody around him felt connected. Will was a people person and could talk to anyone about anything at any time. He will be greatly missed among the many lives he touched.
Will was preceded in death by his parents, Joan Bolen Jones and William Floyd Bailey, Sr, and his stepfather, Howard Jones who guided him with love and care.
Will leaves to precious memory: to his loving wife of 20 years, LaDonna Bailey whom he loved and cherished; one son, Chad Bailey; one daughter, Chantel Bailey, three grandsons, William, Andre and Cameron Bailey; three sisters, Harriet Threat, Mayme Grant (Carlton), and Robin Petross (Randy); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bailey, Jr.
Nancy Edwards
May 22, 2025
Saddened in knowing that you will not be at our future reunions. Your efforts to always connect family members is noted and appreciated. Will see you in the heavenly realm someday. Sweet rest! My heart grieves with LaDonna and family! The LORD is your SHEPHERD!
Mattie Bettis
May 21, 2025
We are sending our deepest condolences!!
Chantel Williams
May 21, 2025
Our continued prayers are with you LaDonna and the entire family. We know how much you loved Will dearly! We hope that you will find comfort and strength as the days go on.
Love, The Williams Family
(Chantel, Alex Jr., Alexander III, & Amari)
Mabel Poindexter
May 20, 2025
William was a very pleasant person.I really enjoyed him and his family when he attended church in Lexington.I extend sympathy to the family and Trust in God he will guide you thru this difficult time.Love you all mabel
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ann Johnson
May 18, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Will when and his wife "Cuz" came to Colorado Springs to visit. He fit in just like he had been apart of the family for many years. I could see that he loved and adored Cuz and that was enough for me to welcome him with loving arms. He will truly be missed but not forgotten. Much love, prayers and condolences to All of his Family. God bless!!!
Thank you Will
Terence Gray Sr
May 16, 2025
We shared wonderful conversations and lots of happy moments filled with laughter, all while completing the mission at the IMCEN agency. Sometimes words aren't enough, so I'll take time to soak in all the happy moments. What a character! To his family, thank you to each of you for sharing him with us. SrTerence
Ken Hopson
May 16, 2025
I worked with Will for over a decade at the VCU Libraries and always appreciated his friendship and his work ethic. Both of us military veterans, I immediately recognized his can-do, by-the-book, follow-through sensibility. He was a positive force of practicality under a jovial personality and subtle sense of humor. If you approached him with a problem you could count on him not to stop until it was resolved. If you approached him just to chat there would be no shortage of his attention. Anyone who knew him knows this, and to those who knew him I share your grief and extend my sincerest condolences .
James Hodge
May 15, 2025
Our Deepest Condolences
Ken Davis
May 15, 2025
To the family of Bill Bailey you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was a great person and a great friend. We were friends from early on when it wasn’t cool for blacks and whites to hang out but he didn’t care. We went to HS and college together and joined the military at the same time. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I know this is tough but take comfort that he is with the Lord!
Gayle Porterfield
May 12, 2025
To the Family of William Bailey Jr Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Sincerely, The Porterfield Family (FBC) Lexington, VA
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in William Bailey, Jr.'s name
Memorial Events
for William Bailey, Jr.
May
20
Funeral services provided by:
J M Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. - Petersburg102 South Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220