Roland S. Bailey, 88, of Waldoboro, formerly of Woolwich, died Nov. 15 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.
Born Nov. 21, 1921 at the family homestead in Woolwich, he was the son of J. Gould and Marion Smith Bailey. Growing up in Woolwich, he attended schools on the mountain, and at age 16, in 1938 graduated as Salutatorian of his class at Wiscasset Academy.
Following graduation, he moved to Waterville, training as an aircraft mechanic while working at the airport.
Mr. Bailey enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served his country during WWI, primarily in Recife and Belem, Brazil, repairing returning aircraft.
Returning to civilian life following the war, he continued employment at the Waterville Airport and on Sept. 15, 1945, married Elizabeth W. Stickney in Haverhill, Mass. For a few years the couple resided in Waterville before moving to Bath. He worked a brief period with his father at the family farm and sawmill in Woolwich and then at Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay. He later worked at Brunswick Flying Service, and briefly at Hyde-Windlass Company in Bath before beginning employment at Bath Iron Works. He worked there 28 years, retiring as a machinist in 1988.
While living in Woolwich, he was a long time active member of the First Baptist Church of Woolwich and also a long time active member of Woolwich Historical Society. He served on various boards at the church and was a Life Deacon.
On Nov. 4, 1981 he married Esther S. Vaughan. They made their home in Woolwich until moving to Waldoboro in December of 2004. Since that time, he was an active member and served on the Board of Deacons at Warren Baptist Church.
An avid hunter, he enjoyed hunting with his sons and family. Over the years he kept immaculate gardens and enjoyed gardening. An accomplished handyman, he did most of his own work around the house, did most of his own automotive repairs, and kept livestock and poultry to supplement his family’s food supply. For many years he served as Superintendent of Grover Cemetery and prided himself in the knowledge of where anyone was buried as well as their entire family tree.
Mr. Bailey was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth on Jan. 23, 1981; four brothers, Fernald, Earl, Clyde, Burton; and sister, Dorothy Ames.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Bailey of Waldoboro; sons, David R. Bailey and wife Marylyn, Jerome S. Bailey and wife Lauri, all of Woolwich, and Andrew C. Bailey and wife Lynn Marie of Canaan; step-children, Gale E. Vaughan of Cushing, Janice M. Hamilton and husband Gary of Searsport, Glen E. Vaughan of Swanville, and Julie M. Vaughan of Waldoboro; grandchildren, Lisa M. Bailey, Deborah Anne Nguyen and husband Ricky, Nathan D. Bailey, Amanda A. Fedorowicz and husband Brad, J. Aaron Bailey and wife Amanda, Amelia E. Capella and husband Jeffrey, Christopher J. Bailey, and Patrick C. Bailey and wife Jennifer; as well as five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and four sisters-in-law.
Visiting hours 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tues., Nov. 17, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Wed., Nov. 18, from the First Baptist Church of Woolwich, 812 Middle Rd., Woolwich. Interment with military honors will follow in Grover Cemetery, Woolwich. The Rev. Thomas Tuck and The Rev. Dr. Linwood Welch will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grover Cemetery Association, 384 Mountain Rd., Woolwich, ME 04579 or Woolwich Historical Society, P.O. Box 98, Woolwich, ME 04579.
To leave online condolences, please visit obituaries at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.
