Larry Ray Bailey passed away peacefully at his home in Townsend, MT on February 26, 2019, with man’s best friend, his dog Lucy by his side.
Larry was born May 16, 1949 in Livingston, MT to Ray Edwin and Frances Marie Bailey. He joined an older brother, Jim, at the home in White Sulphur Springs. Through the next few years, he was joined by four more siblings, Wally, Kathy, Lynne and Helen.
He received his schooling in White Sulphur Springs, graduating in 1969.
The army called him into duty in 1970. He attended basic training at Ft. Lewis, WA (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord). He served one year in Vietnam as a Point Man, a position that he took great pride in. He served with the 1st Battalion-7th Cavalry-1st Cavalry Division-US Army. During his service he earned the ranking of Sergeant which he was also very proud of. He was awarded several medals for his valiant service, his marksmanship, and a bronze star. He received an honorable discharge in December of 1971.
In June 1974, he married Jacalyn Rich from Lewistown, MT. They were blessed with three children, Larry II, Waylon and Landa, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Over the years, they made their home in Arizona, White Sulphur Springs, Wilsall, Clyde Park, Helena, Bozeman, and Livingston doing ranch work, working with Arabian horses, and flooring installation. They settled in Townsend for retirement, during which they truly enjoyed their time spent together in the great outdoors of Montana, accompanied by their faithful 4 legged companion Lucy.
Larry’s favorite sport was “Hoops” he played through high school and for several years on intramural/town teams. He frequently referred to himself as Scotty Pippen and was also known for the unique nicknames that he gave to friends and family. He loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, camping and going on adventures in his buggy. In his younger years he enjoyed spending time with his sons and friends at hunting camp, hiking the hills of the family ranch in the pursuit of elk. Later in life he was content to park his truck in a field and shoot the breeze with his good friends, waiting for the elk to come to him. His passion the last few years was helping with the Camp Mak-A-Dream Walleye Benefit which raises money for youth and young adults battling cancer. A highlight for him was the year he lead (or attempted to lead) 10 of his grandchildren on “Team Grandpa”. He achieved some level of success as no children were harmed in the process.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Frances Bailey (Cerovski), his wife Jacalyn, step-father Leo Cerovski, and step-brother Stephen Cerovski.
Larry is survived by his three children Larry II (Bethany), Waylon (Tabbatha), and Landa; grandchildren Brittany, Juslin, Miles, Trennis, Kashton, Xantera, Zaida, Kashia, Chase, Reece, Teegan, and Amiyah; great granddaughter River; his siblings Jim, aka “Hog” (Ronda), Wally, aka “Tic” (Cheri), Kathy (Leon) Vanek, Lynne (Trent) Browne and Helen (John) Fleharty; step siblings Joann Cerovski, Patti Berglin (Pat Shinn), Tony (Janet) Cerovski, and Sharon (Jerome) Pester.
There will be a military graveside service on May 23rd at 2:00 PM, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1900 Williams St., Helena, MT, followed by a reception at Silos Campground, 81 Silos Rd., Townsend, MT
Memorials may be made to Camp Mak-a-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806, www.campdream.org
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Thursday May 23, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday May 23, 2019
Silos Campground
81 Silos Rd.
Townsend, Montana
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Dana and Pamela Mathis says
Larry was a life long friend who will be missed. He helped us move to Nevada in 1976. He stopped his truck in the Nevada desert and came up to our rig and just heard that Elvis had died and he was bummed.
If you needed a hand he was always willing to help out. He is also a hero of the US Armys 1st Cavalry Division. Larry walked point for a solid year and survived his tour with A Co, 1st BN 7th Air Cavalry in the Vietnam war in1970 to 1971. He was one of the best story tellers around and seemed to be always smiling. We will miss him…..
Tony Cerovski says
Larry was fun to hang out with and from the onset, a treasured friend. He was an upscale basketball player in the Pete Maravich style. Everyone in the game had to keep an eye on Larry at all times and be ready to do something when the “no look” pass was heading for their head.
Then he was drafted for Vietnam use, and for something like “12 months and one day”, he led “tours” in the jungle with Lefty, Doug, Lucky, and some others. Larry and Doug came to Montana after their discharge and our friendship expanded, but in a more serious way. Larry met Jackie and soon married her.
Larry continued to play basketball and picked up bowhunting in WSS. Keeping up with Larry while bowhunting was hard to do, as Mike could tell you. The Manger Ranch donated a front axle knuckle/hub assembly for Larry’s Jeep so that we could return home one snowy day from the Dry Range area. His hunting skills and mindset caused me to think of the discipline he learned in Basic Training and Marksmanship school.
Then came Larry 2, Waylon, and Landa. Three good kids that had something special to live up to. Jackie and Larry did very well in this regard.
I am one of those guys, glad to have been in this Warrior’s circle of friends. Thanks for the fun times and the memories Larry. I miss you, but won’t forget you.
cheryl lovely robinson says
I am so sorry for the loss of Larry. I’ve known him for a long time. Always felt like a member of the Bailey clan. He was truly a wonderful man. blessings to you all
Clay & Kathy Williams says
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We have wonderful memories and truly treasured his friendship. Larry always had a smile, his kindness and big heart will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family.
Tabby (Waylon's wife) says
From the moment that Waylon introduced me to his parents I knew that I was one of the lucky ones. You always hear horror stories about terrible in-laws but mine were great from that! Larry and Jackie accepted me into their family with open arms and always made me feel like I was truly a part of the family. I was proud to take the Bailey name as everyone who knows the Bailey’s had nothing but great things to say about them and their contagious smiles. I am so sad that Jackie and Larry have both passed, life will not be the same without them. Waylon it’s very much like his dad so I will have a daily reminder of him. He was a great grandpa and always doted over his granddaughters and loved his grandsons. My children will miss him do much, especially during the summer months which we spent camping and fishing with Jackie and Larry. They were very loved and will be deeply missed. Love you Larry
Tabby (Waylon's wife) says
From the moment that Waylon introduced me to his parents I knew that I was one of the lucky ones. You always hear horror stories about terrible in-laws but mine were far from that! Larry and Jackie accepted me into their family with open arms and always made me feel like I was truly a part of the family. I was proud to take the Bailey name as everyone who knew the Bailey’s had nothing but great things to say about them and their contagious smiles. I am so sad that Jackie and Larry have both passed, life will not be the same without them. Waylon is very much like his dad so I will have a daily reminder of him. He was a great grandpa and always doted over his granddaughters and loved his grandsons. My children will miss him so much, especially during the summer months which we spent camping and fishing with Jackie and Larry. They were very loved and will be deeply missed. Love you Larry
Jackie Bergan says
To our best friend. We love you and will miss you forever. Hunting will never be the same.Mike,Moe,and Charley
Tony Duran says
I was really saddened to hear that “Bailey” passed away. We served together in Alpha Company 1/7 First Air Cav in Vietnam and for most of that time we were in the same squad. I saw in a couple of messages here it mentioned that he walked point. Well, he did and I saw first hand what a great point man and Soldier Larry was. And, he could also kept us laughing. My condolences to Larry’s family and friends.
Jerry wood says
My name is Jerry Wood and I served with Larry in Vietnam and then together at Ft Sill after we came home. He was a great friend back in those days. We lost track of each other for many many years but so glad we got to talk again in our later years. No matter what happened he had the ability to make us all laugh and was respected by all members of 1st Platoon Co A 1st 7th Cav 1sr Cav Div.
Rick Ellison says
Larry was a good hearted person, full of laughs, a jokester. I was a recipient of many of his pranks as a classmate of his in White Sulphur Springs. His “no look” passes in basketball kept most of us alert, if not, our noses were rearranged! Good athlete, good man. Sad to hear he has left us.
Tim Smith says
Larry went to high school with my siblings. I remember when he was drafted. My sisters were at his trailer house and I remember him telling them about it, I was probably 5 or 6. He was always a good natured guy.