David Ross Bailey

David Ross Bailey Jr. 1922-2022

            David Ross Bailey Jr. the beloved son of David Ross Bailey Sr. and Mabel Helen (Holst) Bailey was born in Sacramento California, June 4, 1922 and passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022 one month shy of his 100th birthday.  Dave was deeply loved and is survived by his wife of 74 years, Betty Mae (Ford) Bailey as well as two daughters, Joan Shewmaker (Dave) of Shingle Springs and Betsy Wadman (Pat) of Bakersfield along with 5 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.  Dave is preceded in death by his son and Domino partner Bill Bailey of Sacramento. 

            Dave grew up on 44th Street in the heart of Sacramento and attended local grade schools as well as graduating from Sacramento High School in 1940. Last summer he spent a lovely afternoon celebrating the 81st Reunion of Sacramento High School class of 1940 with seven of his classmates. One of whom he grew up with since the age of two. 

            Dave attended Stanford University until he left for the Boeing School of Aeronautics in preparation for military service in WWII.  Dave was assigned to the Air Material Command of the 45th Air Squadron of the Army Air Corps.  He saw service in Hawaii, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Pacific Theater.  Upon completion of his military service, Dave returned to Sacramento to employment as an architectural draftsman. Soon after, he joined the production team at the California Almond Growers Exchange.  Dave was devoted to his work and the desire to improve the production and processing of one of California’s premier crops; Almonds.  As Plant Manager and Engineer, Dave was integral to the expansion of the California Almond Growers Exchange facilities not only in Sacramento, but Salida and Chowchilla. Dave was instrumental in the design of almond processing equipment to shell, dice, slice, and blanch almonds and obtained patents on these designs for the Almond Growers. Dave also designed many of the plant buildings both in Sacramento and Salida.

            Dave’s devotion to his work was surpassed only by his devotion to family.  He loved to be outdoors and active, as did his family.  Water skiing, snow skiing, hiking family outings, and golf were all life passions.  Dave, Betty and their children built a family cabin at beautiful Lake Tahoe and spent countless days together there. 

            In later years playing golf, putting, playing Gin Rummy and Dominoes were favorite pastimes.  Dave’s family would like to thank Dr. Chen and the incredibly caring and kind staff at Tower 3 at the Sutter Hospital Roseville.  The family is grateful for so much compassion there.  Dave will be laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park on June 5^th with military honors.  His family will celebrate his life privately with a 100th birthday party to include his favorite food, ice cream.  An amazing life well lived!