Dudley Bailey

Dudley S. Bailey, 78, of the Ranchvale Community went home to the Lord May 26, 2009. He was born May 5, 1931 at the family home in the Ranchvale area to Jim and Jessie Ledbetter Bailey.

He started first grade at Blacktower School. He finished grade school and graduated from Ranchvale High School in 1949. He was active in sports and was named one of the outstanding athletes of the county who made the All-District team in basketball as All-Star Center.

In a 1950 green Chevrolet convertible he captured the heart of Ramona Dobbins and they were married on December 24, 1952. He like to brag to anyone who would listen that they have been happily married for 56 years and that he always thought she was beautiful.

Mr. Bailey served in the 5th U. S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. It was while serving in Korea that his fellow soldiers aptly named him Hurry Worry Bailey. After his discharge from the service he returned to the Ranchvale community to pursue a life-long love affair with his land as a farmer. He served on the boards of the Beet Growers Association and the Farm Services Association. In 1986 he was named Outstanding Conservation Farmer and in 1999 was presented the award for Outstanding Irrigated Farmer by Central Curry Soil and Water Conservation District. He loved nature and enjoyed the early morning hour to watch the sun rise and to have quiet time with Gods creatures. There was always a Dr. Pepper in his back pocket and when you met him driving down a country road in his pickup there would be a dog hanging out of every window. He often remarked that he had to have a dog in his life in which to discuss his business.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Elwin and a great nephew, Jerry Cole.

He is survived by his wife Ramona of the home; two daughters, Brenda Carpenter husband, Doug of Clovis and Tammy Vineyard husband, Kevin of Ranchvale; five grandchildren, Destiny, Cassidy, Courtney, Holly and Tye; two sisters, Gladys Glenn husband, Steve of Littlefield, Texas and Jimmy Cumpton husband, Noel of Boise, Idaho; sister-in-law, Doris Bailey; many nieces and nephews; and his two four-legged companions, Sugar and Buddy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society Dogtown, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, Utah 84741.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis with Dr. Herbert Bergstrom officiating and Greg Martin assisting.

Honorary casket bearers will be Jack Porter, Charles Petty, Dale Petty, Willard ORear, Keith ORear, Ronnie Mitchell, Elbert Mitchell, Roy Woodard, Doug Reid J. L. Wall.

Service