Michael Ray Bailey was born February, 7th 1956 in Chandler, OK to Paul and Ruth Bailey. He passed away in his home on February 27, 2021 at the age of 65.
Mike grew up in Wellston where he graduated from Wellston High School with the class of 1974. He owned his first home at the early age of 17. He became a sought-after tower crane operator, and was once even featured on a local news station. Over the course of his 30-year career with Flintco, he became a master in his craft, and many of Oklahoma’s most iconic structures were built with the help of Mike and his tower crane. When Mike took an interest in something, he was all-in! He developed a great love for hunting, fishing, and fast cars. Mike also became a very talented wood worker, and many of his creations are still being used today. He loved a good bargain, and he would often tell you how much he paid for something whether you wanted to know it or not. He was known for his quirky catch phrases, his most famous being, “It’s my birthday.” He even tattooed the phrase on his arm to prove every day was his birthday. He had a love for food, and anytime someone came to visit, he insisted they bring him some sort of ice cream or pie. He was well-known for being a prankster and frequently brought laughter to everyone in his presence. In fact, one of his greatest joys in life was his gift to make people laugh. His great story-telling ability did just that, and some of the stories were told over and over again. He was also extremely talented at getting people to do things, a gift we sometimes called “bossy.” His love for fishing continued later in life when he moved to Lake Texoma. Everyone was always invited to come fish with him, and he would often overflow his home with friends and family. He became known as Granddad, and one of his treasured pastimes was watching his kids and grandkids play sports, which he claimed to have been doing for “over 30 years.” Above all, he truly loved being surrounded by his family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth; and two siblings Nancy and Randy. Survivors include his wife of 30 years Francie of the home, his brother Terry of Wellston, his five children, Jamie Goeller and husband Kyle of Chandler, OK; Karie Mackey and husband James of Chandler, OK; Hailey Herrin and husband Robert of Wayne, OK; Casey Visnieski and husband Jake of Harrah, OK; Micheal Bailey of Denver, CO; and grandchildren Raegan, Kodey, Halle, Christian, Blakely, Avery, Nick and Kevin, and a handful of nieces, nephews and cousins. |