Richard T. Bailey

Richard Thomas Bailey, age 93, passed away on December 18, 2020 surrounded by family at his home. He was born on April 16, 1927 to Richard and Lottie Bailey in Highland Park, MI. Richard served in the US Navy during WWII. After being discharged from the Navy, he married Shirley Anderson. The couple originally made their home in Highland Park and later moved to Royal Oak, near his brother, Kenneth. The couple raised their family in Royal Oak. Mr. Bailey was a chauffeur with 43 years of service when he retired from General Motors in 1994. He was the personal driver for the various Presidents of the company during his tenure. In 1963, he began working as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Royal Oak until his badge was retired on December 16, 2020. He was the longest serving auxiliary officer for the city. While the kids were growing up, the family spent time at their summer home in Hillman, MI, where they would spend time volunteering setting things up at the Montmorency County 4H Fair in Atlanta, MI. Richard and Shirley kept busy volunteering with the Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society, where he was a Car Host on numerous train excursions. They also enjoyed taking trips with the Royal Oak Senior Citizens to Mackinac Island and staying at the Grand Hotel. For many years Richard volunteered with the Detroit Grand Prix, Detroit Fireworks, River Days, Dream Cruise and the Hob Nobble Gobble. Richard was also a volunteer for World Cup Soccer when it was hosted in Pontiac, MI, in 1984. He also volunteered at the NFL Experience when Detroit hosted Super Bowl 40 in 2006. Richard began volunteering for America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit in 1984 and was named Art Van Volunteer of the Year in 2017. Beloved husband of the late Shirley. Loving father of Sandy (the late Emil) Paci, Rick Bailey and Dawn Bailey. Dear brother of Kenneth (the late Peggy) Bailey. Also survived by nieces and nephews. He will be missed by Indy, his beloved dog. The family will receive friends Tuesday 11 am until time of funeral 1 pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. The funeral will be webcast a few minutes prior to 1 pm. To access the webcast please visit www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com and in the tributes and photos section of Mr. Bailey's obituary the webcast will be available. *Please note that due to current Covid-19 restrictions, a maximum of 25 people are able to be in the visitation room at a time. Also, masks are required for entry into the funeral home. Memorial contributions to Michigan Humane or Leader Dogs for the Blind are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Richard T. Bailey

April 16, 1927 - December 18, 2020