Joyce David "Squeak" Bailie

Herrin- Joyce David Squeak Bailie, 87, of Herrin, passed away at 10:00 PM, Thursday, September 29, 2011, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. Squeak was born on July 13, 1924 in Herrin to James M. Pop & Nona Sugar (Stroud) Bailie. He married Jean Green on October 27, 1950 at the Herrin First Presbyterian Church. Squeak graduated from Herrin High School in 1942, then immediately enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII to train as a fighter pilot where he achieved the rank of Lt. Commander. He was preparing to deploy to the Pacific theatre when the war ended. Squeak served in the active Naval Reserve until 1966 when he transferred to Retired Reserve status. He continued served our country proudly for many years before being honorably discharged. Once he returned home he ran a series of business in downtown Herrin, including Bailies Bus Station, Bailies Toy and Hobby Shop and later Bailies Fitness Center. Many youngsters spent their after-school hours at Bailies shop, where Squeak, his parents and his wife served as an unofficial after-school program. He was a longtime member of the Herrin First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Herrin American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed sport and trophy fishing, especially for bass in backwater so thick he had to smoke a cigar to keep the mosquitoes away. He continually supplied fresh fish for friends and family. He also enjoyed bow hunting with his son and friends, gardening, and simply visiting with friends and family. The Bailie kitchen table was a favorite gathering place for many. During the last month of his life, Squeak resided at the Veterans Home in Anna, IL, where he seemed content and at peace, due to the excellent care and respect he was given there. On the evening of his death, he was given a military escort, a Warriors Walk, with taps being played in the background. His family will be forever thankful to the staff of the Veterans Home as well as all of the other excellent care givers that tended to him from Shawnee Christian Nursing Home and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Squeak was truly a member of the greatest generation, never had a harsh word for anyone, was a model of civility and tolerance, and was generous to all. Survivors include daughter Wendy Bailie and husband Ron Carey of Carterville; son Steve Bailie and wife Barbara of Marion; six grandchildren: Josh Bailie and wife Becky of Herrin; Lauren Merz and husband Court of Ft. Collins, CO; Mark Bailie of Carbondale; Maggie Jean Bailie of Marion; Jay Bailie Carey of Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer Pike and husband Shawn of Tulsa, OK; three great grandchildren: Lucas and Coleman Bailie of Herrin; and Layla Merz of Ft. Collins, CO; four nephews: Mark Chapman and wife Amanda of Walnut Creek, CA; Brian and wife Paula Chapman of Middletown, NY; James and wife Susan Bailie of Surprise, AZ; Barry and wife Marianne Lindsay of Byron, GA; a niece Lynn (Lindsay) and husband David Ramsey of Aurora, CO; several great nieces and nephews; and many, many friends, including his best friends Debbie Anderson and Wendell Hap Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Jay Martin Bailie, brother James M. Bailie, nephew Timothy Bailie, niece Lynn Chapman Medlin, and sister- Peggy J. Lindsay who passed away six days earlier on September 23, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, October 14, 2011 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Pastor Thomas Hobson will officiate. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Herrin City Cemetery. A time of gathering will be from 4:00 PM until time of service Friday, October 14 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St. / Herrin, IL 62948.