Bill grew up in Geneseo on a sheep and horse farm, with only one Jersey cow for milk. Farming was his passion. In 1967 Bill moved his family to Fillmore and developed a dairy farm, Stone Spring Farm, where he milked Holsteins with a few Jerseys for daughter Julia.
Bill was a hard worker, honest, man of his word. He knew who he was and lived as he wanted. In March of 1997 they sold their cows, however Bill continued raising heifers and crop farming. With the help of his sons and grandsons Bill was able to raise crops and rake hay until a few weeks prior to his passing.
He was a fountain of knowledge and enjoyed teaching his grandsons repair and maintenance of machinery. He was a keen, yet fair businessman.
He and his wife left a wonderful legacy for their children’s future generations. His support for family was endless, if it be a 4-H, dairy shows or in the sports they played.
Bill enjoyed skiing, golfing, dancing, bowling, playing cards, RFD TV, knock-out rose bushes “lifting a glass”, and their Annual Christmas night parties were a memorable gathering for family and friends. He also enjoyed sweets, coffee and conversation around the kitchen table.
Summers were spent with long days on the farm, yet they enjoyed getaways with friends at Rushford Lake. Several winters were spent in Florida visiting friends, golfing, horse-pulls and flea markets.
Surviving are his children, Scott (Sherri) Bailey of Fillmore, Bryan (JoAnn) Bailey of Machias, eight grandchildren, Duncan (Courtney) Bailey, Kassandra Bailey, Katelynn (David) Bedient, Benjamin (Hayley) Bailey, Garrett (Kayla) Bailey, Megan (Troy) Wagner, Taylor (Devon) Hurley, Drew (Elsie) Hill, 11 great-grandchildren and a son-in-law, Tyler Hill of Angola and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by a daughter Julia Hill and a brother, Lee Bailey.
A private burial will be held in Temple Hill Cemetery, Geneseo. Family and friends may gather for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Pike Fire Hall, 67 E. Main Street from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Memorials if desired to: Allegany County 4-H, 5435 County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813 or Cattaraugus County 4-H, cattaraugus4h@cornell.edu.
