On February 18, 2023, three days before his 80th birthday, Godfrey William "Bill" Bailey, of Orange County, California, passed away after a long, hard battle with metastatic breast cancer. Bill was born February 21, 1943 to Arthur and Jesse (Bromilow) Bailey in Los Angeles, California. He treasured growing up in Los Angeles during a simpler time, catching the Red Car with his mother, riding his bike around L.A., and touring the West in a youth marching band. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1959, where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning. Bill lost both of his parents by the time he was 20 and did what he could to manage the estate and help mentor his younger brother, Arthur. During this time, he met his best friend for life, Don Holt, and they became inseparable until Don passed away in 2021.

While working for his friend Robert Artunian's jewelry store in Los Angeles, Bill met Elizabeth Hass, who worked at Bank of America as a teller. They were married in 1973 and had their first child, Deborah, in 1974. Bill had started working as a Realtor and moved with his family to Orange County. His business and his family expanded during this time, with the birth of Annette in 1976, Arthur in 1979, and Danielle in 1981. The family enjoyed vacationing at Lake Havasu and taking many road trips across the country. Bill and Elizabeth divorced in 1985, but this did not stop Bill from being a very involved dad. He was always at his kids' games and activities, taking photos and volunteering to help on the field or bring snacks.

Bill's kids remember him as "Mr. Mom" because he loved to cook and made sure they had everything they needed for school and activities. He continued to take his 4 kids on road trips in their motorhome every summer to see sights across the United States. It was important for him to spend time with his kids and savor life's moments. When his children married and had children of their own, Bill remained very involved in their lives.

Bill was a devoted man of God and joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1981. He loved to give back and found his volunteer calling as the Wednesday night cook at Covenant's "Kirk Nite." Each week he planned and shopped to create meals for more than 100 people. He made many friends in the kitchen and served for more than 30 years. Bill never slowed down and kept practicing real estate and taking road trips. He also enjoyed classic cars, boating and American history.

In addition to his four children, Bill leaves a legacy of 11 grandchildren, Aly Alvarez (22), Skya Bailey (21), Austin Sloma (17), Sierra Killey (16), Henry Johnson (15), Noah Bailey (15), Allison Sloma (14), Autumn Johnson (13), Cora Johnson (10), Emily Bailey (10), and Alexis Sloma (7). He is also survived by his brother, Arthur Bailey, and family.

Visitation will be at 5pm - 7pm on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, 702 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866. Funeral service will be at 10am on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1855 N. Orange-Olive Road, Orange, CA 92865. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to City of Hope, which gave Bill's family 5 more years of holidays and road trips.

www.cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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