Buddy Bailey

Buddy Charles Bailey, 82, of Chico, formerly of Bridgeport passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016 in Chico. A private service is planned at a later date. Buddy was born December 11, 1933 in Bridgeport, Texas to Bud and Myrtie (Early) Bailey. After attending college for two years, Buddy joined the Army and served his country for two years. On January 16, 1953 he married Nita Mae Rankin at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, and was also a member of the Fort Worth Shriners organization. For many years he was a farmer and rancher in the Bridgeport area. Before retirement, Buddy was a hotel owner in Red River, New Mexico for 20 years. He enjoyed playing games such as dominos and canasta, picking up pecans, reading, and watching John Wayne movies. Buddy leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Nita Bailey of Chico; son Ricky Allen Bailey of Bowie; and daughters Cathy Ann Grimes of Chico, Elana Kay Bailey of Bridgeport, and Heather Lynn Bailey of Krum, Texas; sister Shirley Stack of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Lavaine Green.