Charles W. Bailey - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Charles W. Bailey

December 28, 1920 - February 1, 2015

Charles W. Bailey, age 94, of Newark, DE, died peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2015.

A native Delawarean, Charles was born in Wilmington in 1920. He graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and Bliss Electrical School in Tacoma Park, MD. He married his wife Jeannette, in 1942. Charles served his country during World War II in the Army throughout Africa and Italy.

He worked for The Bell Telephone Company for many years retiring in 1978 to North Port, Florida. A natural leader, Charlie/Chuck served in both formal and informal leadership positions throughout his life. He was the president of Diamond State Telephone Workers Union and served in various management positions in Delaware and Pennsylvania during his 38 year career with Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. He returned to Delaware in 2005 to be closer to his family and spent many happy times with them.

In his leisure time, Charles loved gardening, the beach, crabbing, boating and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed reading, sports, woodcarving and taking many cruises throughout the Caribbean with his beloved Jeannette. He was also very active in local North Port politics for many years.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice & Frederick and his wife, Jeannette. He is survived and will be sorely missed by his son, Craig and daughter-in-law Diane Bailey, daughter, Fern & son-in-law Ted Butler, daughter, Gail Bailey Roberts; grandchildren, Kristen (John), Alison and (Joe), Melanie (Mike), Brendon, Eric, Emma, Ethan, Madison & Clayton; and great grandchildren Brie, Evan, Lexi, Kyle & Mikey.

A memorial celebration for Charles will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to one of the following charities: Seasons Hospice of Delaware, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713 or to the African Wildlife Foundation,1400 16th Street, N.W., Suite 120, Washington, D.C. 20036 (www.awf.org).

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8 Condolences for Charles W. Bailey

  • We are sorry to her of your dads death. It is always sad when you lose a parent

  • Sending my thoughts and Prayers to whole Bailey family…your Father/Grandfather will be greatly missed.
    Sincerely,
    Mary Ann Parker
    Virginia

  • If you are the Craig Bailey that worked at the Cecil Whig years ago, this is Rob. All the guys called me string bean. I was very sorry to see your dads obituary in the paper. My deepest sympathy. I know what you must be going through as I lost my dad a few years ago. It is a difficult time. E mail me when things calm down, and we can exchange life stories and maybe even get together, maybe at the new Stone Balloon. Remember those days.again, my deepest sympathy. Bean

  • Craig,Fern,Gail, Deepest sympathy for loss of your father. Will always remember the 70 & 80’s at Na ntickoe Shores mobile home park. We share your grief as Debra Ann passed away 09-11-15. All of us remaining have good memories to sustain us. Don Stapleton Family–

  • My memories of ‘Uncle Charlie’ go back to the earliest days of my life. He married my mom’s sister, Jeannette and when we would visit, he always had a pipe in his mouth, a smile on his face and a hearty welcome in his heart. When I was about 9 or 10, I spent a week visiting my cousin Craig. We had fun playing ball, building model airplanes and going to antique stores with his folks. One night, a storm to end all storms hit the Wilmington area. Torrential rain, apocalyptic lightning and howling wind like I’d never seen! And the beautiful wood ceiling of their comfortable home sprung leaks all night long! I think we used every pot and pan Jeanette and Charlie owned! For a 10-year old, it was scary…but oh, what fun!

    Thanks, Uncle Charlie…for memories that have lasted a lifetime!

  • My condolences to the entire Bailey family. I remember my uncle as a tall, powerful, jovial man with horn rim glasses, a pipe in his teeth, and a deep resonant voice. I am saddened to see him pass but I know he lived a long, full life and was well loved by his family. One can not wish for more than that.

  • Dear Stapleton’s,
    Thank you so very much for your sentiments. We loved our Dad, and will miss him terribly. We lost our Mom7 years ago this month- so bits very hard.
    I am so very, very sorry to hear and send our condolences of your loss of Debbie. She and I shared so many fun summer/New Years visits together. I know you have many wonderful memories.
    Most Sincerely,
    Gail Bailey Roberts

  • Don,
    Thank you for your note and my deepest condolences on Debbie’s passing! I will always remember her as an outgoing teen full of confidence and beauty! I think we all remember those Nanticoke shores years fondly. My dad used to love recounting the stories of fishing and “putting out the nets”. I loved our 4th of July block parties and diving off off the docks! My best to your family!