Charles Wayne Bailey

Lafayette - Charles Wayne Bailey passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on December 27,1938, in Russellville, Arkansas, the eldest child of Willard Bailey and Rebba Robertson. When he was a young boy, they moved to Connecticut for his dad to pursue work at the paper mill. He played baseball as a child, worked as a caddy as a young man and later went on to graduate from UCONN. After finishing college, he joined the Army. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Temple, Texas. In 1962, he married Nancy Miller, a nursing student, whom he had met in Connecticut. In January of 1973, the winters became too much, so Charles took his young family and left Connecticut. They took a 7-month-long cross-country trip, visiting state parks, friends, and family along the way, and finally settled in Houston, Texas in July of 1973. Charles was a computer programmer and worked at TRW mission for many years. He later did contract work in New Mexico, Georgia, and Tennessee. He fell in love with Santa Fe and traveled there often. At the end of his career, he was “on call” during the Y2K transition. Later in life, Charles enjoyed trips to Connecticut to see the fall leaves and visit his sister and former classmates while there. He also enjoyed trips to Arkansas where he would drive fast through the winding mountains. In his retirement, he enjoyed family trips to Lake Belton, Texas with his daughters, their spouses, Nancy, and his grandchildren, where he enjoyed hiking and napping. Charles was a great tourist and always managed to find great places to go when traveling. He loved his coffee and newspaper. He remained in the Houston area until 5 years ago when he moved to an assisted living center near his daughter, Allison, who moved to Lafayette, LA. around the same time. He was known as Charlie or Chuck to his friends in Texas and Papa Bailey by his grandchildren. He was a gifted artist, a gentle soul, and loved nice cars, especially German cars, and owned several throughout his life. He will be missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his siblings, Jimmy Bailey of Florida and his wife, Dolores Bailey, Patricia Rich of South Carolina, his daughters, Allison Sue and husband Benjamin Sonnier of Lafayette, Louisiana; Kristen Ann and husband Jerry Sattler of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Katie Lopez and husband Jose, Matthew Sonnier and fiancé Summer Watts, Andrew Sonnier, Abby McGee and fiancé, Tucker Voyles, Sarah McGee, and one great grandchild, Elena Lopez; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by very special friends, Margaret Ellison and Tom and Liz Barber. Thank you to The Blake of Lafayette for caring for him for the last five years of his life and Amelia Manor Nursing Home and Heart of Hospice for caring for him at the end of his life. A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date. Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Wayne Bailey

December 27, 1938 - January 26, 2024