Clifford "Cliff" Leroy Bailey

Clifford “Cliff” Leroy Bailey, 76, of Palestine, IL died at 11:50 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2017 at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL. He was born on January 2, 1941 in rural Flat Rock, the son of James & Iva (Bathe) Bailey, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his half- brothers, Paul Bailey, and Allen Bailey; by his half-sisters, Laura Rogge, Elizabeth Hedge, and Mary (Dolly) Bird, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He married Billie Hyde on September 3, 1960, and she survives. He is also survived by his two sons & daughters-in-law, Jim & Twyla Bailey (Robinson, IL), and Steve & Marie Bailey (Solon, IA); by his grandchildren, Nick Bailey (Solon, IA), and Erika Bailey (Solon, IA); by his brothers, Marion “Bub” Bailey (Robinson, IL), and Wayne & Patty (Palestine, IL); by his sisters, Winnie Timms & Ron Phelps (Bloomfield, NM), and Ann & Tom Knoblett (rural Flat Rock, IL); by his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Jim & Lisa Hyde (Palestine, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Cliff grew up in the Flat Rock area and went on to farm for many, many years. He also drove trucks for a time before going to work for the Palestine Unit #3 School District, where he was the school bus supervisor and mechanic for several years. He was a long-time animal lover, and loved watching the birds and squirrels. He was especially fond of his cats, and they were a great source of joy in his life. Cliff loved Sundays, which were spent at church alongside his church family at New Hebron Baptist Church and then at home, watching that week’s NASCAR race. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 on Saturday, September 30th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1st at the funeral home, with Pastor Lee Gurley officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hebron Baptist Church or to the Crawford County Spay & Neuter Foundation, with envelopes available at the funeral home.