George Bailey

George Michael Bailey, PhD, "Mike", 69, of Little Rock, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Monday, May 9, 2016. He was born in Hot Springs, on April 19, 1947 to Herschel Bailey and Helen (Miller) Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Bailey. Doctor Bailey was a retired biophysicist who earned his PhD in biophysics in 1978 from MIT. He served with various U.S. government agencies, including DARPA. From 1969-1973, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam where he was severely injured. He was the recipient of 5 purple hearts, Silver Star, 2 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, and many other medals. He served as LDO captain 1st Marine Division, Force Recon Battalion, permanent Sgt. After his return to Little Rock, he played rugby with founding members of the Little Rock Rugby team and helped promote that sport in Little Rock.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Valdean, son, Michael (Lauren) Bailey, daughter, Kathy (Jess) Lower, first wife, Linda Parsons, step-son, Shane (Connie) Straw, step-daughters, Shannon (Matt) Adams, Shelly (Matt) Quick, and Stephanie Straw, 11 grandchildren, one expected in July, and step-grandchildren.
Visitation is Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. with service following at 7:00 p.m. at Smith -North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, NLR, (501) 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry is available at www.smithfamilycares.com . A brief service is scheduled Friday, May 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.