Walter Lee Bailey, Sr, age 74, of Brownwood entered the gates of Heaven Tuesday, February 25, 2014 after a long illness.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 28, 2014 at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Richard Ivy officiating, interment will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4-7 P.M. at Blaylock Funeral Home.

Walter was born on October 25, 1939 to Joe and Thelma (Huckobey) Bailey in Brownwood, Texas. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1958. After high school Walter joined the United States Army in 1959, he was a Helicopter Crew Chief Mechanic. He proudly served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He retired from the US Army in 1994 after 23 loyal years. He and his wife Linda married on October 1, 1982 in Brownwood, Texas. Walter was a member of the Masonic Lodge #806 and a past Master. He attended Shiloh Bible Church for many years.

Walter is survived by his wife of 31 years, Linda Bailey of Brownwood, TX; son, Walter “Rocky” Bailey, Jr. and wife Lori of Brownwood, TX; daughters, Natalie Desko and husband Steve of Franklin, PA,  Melissa Bailey of Oil City, PA, Sherree Paschall and husband Bryan of Pflugerville, TX, and Shannon Sutherland and husband Jody of Indian Creek, TX; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Benny Bailey and wife Sue of Brownwood and Roy Bailey and wife Connie of Lake Worth, TX; one aunt, JoAnn Bailey of Abilene, Tx; mother-in-law, Marian Beightol of PA; brother-in-law, Fudd Beightol of PA; sister-in-law, Cindy Foster and husband Tim of PA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Charles Beightol.

Family and friends are invited to leave online condolences at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.