William Orville Bailey Sr., waterman, shop owner
William Orville Bailey Sr., 84, of Frankford, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in his home.
He was born Sept. 17, 1932, in Saxis Island, Va., a son of the late Herman Bailey, Sr. and Ella Blanche Linton Bailey.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Wayne Bailey, Teagle Merril Bailey, Herman Bailey Jr., Frank Jerome Bailey Sr. and Lodie Lee Bailey.
He was a waterman for most of his life until moving to Salisbury, Md., in 1969. He was one of the first men to break ground in Ocean Pines, Md. Orville then moved to Delaware in 1977, establishing Bailey's Seafood in Frankford. He enjoyed seeing and sharing stories with all of his friends and customers on a daily basis. He also enjoyed visiting yard sales and thrift stores.
He is survived by two brothers, Tim Bailey of Pennsylvania and Jimmy Bailey of Exmore, Va.; his wife of 61 years, Gracie Parks Bailey; six daughters and their spouses, Penny Bailey Lewis and husband James Sr. of Frankford, Kim Bailey Brewington and husband Eddie III of Dagsboro, Betty Grace Bailey Eskridge and husband Mike of Bridgeville, Lillian Bailey and Tommy of Frankford, Cheryl Bailey Workman and husband Dennis of Frankford, and Marybeth Bailey Dear and husband Dorsey Jr. of Frankford; one son, William O. (Bud) Bailey Jr. of Frankford; grandchildren Jamie Lewis Jr., Kelly Lewis, Ashleigh Lewis, Heather Hudson, George Brewington IV, Heaven Howard, Robbie Howard, Jordan Workman Sr., Megan Workman, Dorsey Dear III, William Joshua Dear, William O. (Bill) Bailey III, and Zachary Bailey; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Orville had many friends; one dear friend, like a brother, J. Everette Moore, and two close friends, Harold and Dot Cogill.
Services will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m., at Melson's Frankford Chapel, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will follow in St. George's Cemetery, Clarksville.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
