William Edward Bailey

William Edward Bailey (Sonny) was born on July 28, 1943, Sunset July 7, 2021. He was born in Urbancrest, Ohio and relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1963 where he resided until his death. He is preceded in death by his parents William Edward Bailey and Eliza M. Bailey; Wife, Eva N. Bailey, brothers; Gary Bailey, and Stephen Bailey; sisters Marcia Early, and Christine Bailey. He leaves to cherish his great memories to his sons, Dwight (Karmin) Bailey, Terry Bryant; Daughters, LaVerne (James) Smoot, Antoinette (Tyrone) Johnson, LaKeshia Suber. Grandchildren, Kiante Woods, Lorin Simpson, LaTia Freeman, Jalyn Freeman, Myles Bailey, Tyrone Johnson, Morgan Bailey, Jorden Johnson. Great grandchildren, Asa Carter and Aubri Smoot. Uncles, William “Uncle Billy” Diggs and Wallace “Uncle Bud” Bailey; Siblings, Phyllis Jackson, ILester Bailey, Vanessa Goldstein; sister-in-laws, Harriett Bailey and Cynthia Bailey. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special son, Manuel Freeman, close friend and caretaker Wayne “Mr. Butch” Peaks, close friend Greg Dyer. William grew up in Urbancrest, Ohio where he attended the local schools and graduated from Grove City Jackson High School in 1961. He attended Bliss Business College, The Ohio State University and graduated from Capital University. He worked for the Lazarus Corporation, Franklin County Commissioner’s Office, and Columbus City Schools. William retired from The State of Ohio, Department of Youth Services in 1995. He was a sports fan and spent a great deal of his leisure time watching football, basketball, baseball and boxing. He also enjoyed learning about world events and often tuned into his favorite news channels, but seldom missed taking in his daytime stories. William had a genuine passion for people and loved good conversations. He could bring joy and laughter to just about any situation. His ability to recall, recite catch phrases and popular classic “One-Liners” was always impressive to children and adults alike. His contagious smile and warm presence will truly be missed.