Bailey, Eugene R.

"Gene" Bailey, 87, of Riverview passed on May 24, 2020. He was born in Middleton, Connecticut in 1932 and moved to Florida in 1945 to work in his grandfather's fruit stand, the commercial landmark "Bailey's" located at 128 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. Gene played trombone and graduated St. Petersburg High School in 1951. He was a Korean War Veteran serving on the hospital ship U.S.S. Consolation and thereafter served in the Naval Reserves for many years. Gene was a dedicated Mason who loved camping in Ocala, his canine companions, and having a good time. Always a hard worker, Gene owned a restaurant in St. Petersburg, a gas station in Temple Terrace, and became an owner-operator truck driver until he was 80 years old.

A loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Gene is preceded in death by son Gene "Buddy" and daughter Suzanne. He is survived by Andrea, his wife of 48 years; his sons Bruce Bailey (wife Tina), Brian Bailey (wife Betsy), Blair Bailey, and Travis Palladeno; and daughters Debi Stalzer (husband Todd) and Jeannette Bailey. Gene was proud of his 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and will be missed by many.

A military service will be conducted at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at a later date.