Bing Bradford Bailey

     Bing Bradford Bailey, age 77, of Maple Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, in St. Johns, Michigan.

     A Graveside Service will be held at Sowle Cemetery, Maple Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, Maple Rapids, MI, on June 10, 2023, from 12:00-3:00 P.M.

     Bing was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on August 14, 1945, the son of Orrison Edward Bailey and E. Joyce (Cludy) Bailey. Bing graduated from Fulton High School, with the class of 1963 and attended college at Lansing Community College. He retired from General Motors’ Fisher Body plant in 1994 as a Production Inspector. Bing was also a proud member of his local U.A.W. #602.

     Bing had many interests and hobbies throughout his lifetime. He was an avid cyclist his entire life, logging tens of thousands of miles on his bicycle. He completed the DALMAC bicycle tour thirteen times. Bing always loved being outdoors spending time hiking, hunting, fishing, and canoeing/kayaking. Bing was an accomplished dog sled musher, having competed in and won many races, trophies, and awards. He was a member of the Mid-Union Sled Haulers dog sledding community. Bing loved driving up to Alaska every summer and spending time at the cabin that he and his daughter built. He loved to travel whether it was to a little hidden gem of a place in the USA or to a foreign country. Bing was a very talented wood smith that would take the time and effort to make something perfect. He was a dedicated reader of action and adventure book. He also enjoyed reading to his grandkids. Bing loved Hallmark movies and old car restoration shows. His animated sound effects and quirky definitions will be missed by all. Bing touched many lives through his positivity, selflessness, and willingness to help everyone.

     He is survived by his daughter Kiffiny K. Bailey of Maple Rapids, MI; daughter Kendra and Jeffrey Pedersen of Battle Ground, WA; son Jonathan-Alexander and Kari-Lynn (Thurston) Bailey of St. Johns, MI; the mother of his children Vivian (K.) Hill Bailey of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren: Caleb (April) Pederson, Jacob (Keenan) Pederson, Jon-Alex Bailey, Jr., Mason-Thurston Bailey, and Alice-Elizabeth Bailey; great-grandchildren: Elaina, Juliet, David, Karston, Clara, Emery, Secily, and Ansel; sister Rita Bailey of Columbia, SC; sister Ruthann Friedrich of Great Bend, KS; sister-in-law Kathy Bailey of Spring Hill, TN; plus, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Brent Edward Bailey.

     Online condolences may be made to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.