Claude “Coy” Bailey

Alaska pioneer Claude “Coy” Bailey, 72, died at his Palmer home Dec. 15, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Pastor Steve Carden will officiate at a memorial service in honor of Coy at 7 p.m., Dec. 20 at Wasilla Bible Church, 1651 W. Nicola Ave.

Coy was born Feb. 15, 1939, in Charlotte, N.C., to Willis and Evelyn (Johnson) Bailey. He joined the Air Force at 17 and moved to Alaska in 1958, where he soon met the love of his life, Ruth Nelson.

In 1990, Coy, Ruth and their sons, Ron and Mike, founded Bailey’s Furniture. As the business grew, Coy treated each employee as an extended family member. He cared deeply about each of their lives and was protective of each one. Customers would often come just to have coffee with Coy and swap tales. Coy was a blessing to all who knew him and would put a smile on anyone’s face.

Coy also enjoyed supporting his community, serving as athletic commissioner and founder of Girls Club in Alaska. Known for his sometimes-scandalous sense of humor and his contagious smile, he will truly be missed.

Preceding him in death was his father, Willis W. Bailey; mother, Evelyn R. Bailey; and sister, Vivian Brown.

Surviving is a large, vibrant family, including his loving wife, Ruth Bailey; sisters, Tamara Knox and Karen Wiggins; son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Cheryl Bailey; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Stephanie Bailey; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sharon Bailey; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Krista Bailey; daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Matt Nelson; and 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.