Ira R. Bailey's Obituary
IRA RAYFORD BAILEY, 83, OF Memphis. Our “Baby Ray” passed away on May 15, 2010. He was a devoted husband, preceded in death by his two true loves: his first wife Martha Ann Gatti Bailey and his second wife, Donnie Pogue Hudson Bailey. Ray was a doting father of two daughters; Zena Ann Bailey and Damita Martell Bailey, both of Memphis. He was also blessed with two stepdaughters, Camille Hudson Shea of Atlanta, GA an Suzanne Hudson of Boulder, CO. Ray, who lied about his age so that he could join early, was a member of the U. S. Coast Guard and proudly served his country in WWII. An avid bowler and southpaw, Ray won the Memphis City Championship and numerous other bowling awards. He enjoyed playing golf, ballroom dancing and was fortunate enough to have traveled around the world. Dinner at Napa Cafe,a fine bottle of wine and the company of his daughters brought him immense joy. His family and numerous friends will miss him greatly. Because Ray was devoted to helping children’s charities, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Wing’s Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society were also recipients of Ray’s generous support. Family will receive friends from 5-7, Wednesday, May 19, and services will be Thursday, May 20 at 3 p.m., Memorial Park Funeral Home.
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