In loving memory of
Robert Eugene Bailey

• February 11, 1935
• -
• June 26, 2025

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With great sadness, the family of Robert Eugene Bailey, lovingly known as Gene, shares news of his peaceful passing at his home in Bonita Springs on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born February 11, 1935, in Estero, Florida, to Elsie Bailey and William Eugene Bailey.

Gene graduated from Clewiston High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, with assignments in Germany and France.  After his military service, he attended the University of Florida, where he pledged Alpha Zeta fraternity and earned a Master of Education in Agriculture.

As an Agriculture teacher, Gene was also an avid gardener—gardening was both a joy and lifelong passion of his. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a thriving business, where he professionally showed, trained, bred, and boarded dogs.  Gene also raised horses and beef cattle, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the land and animals, as shown in his unique ability to tame and ride a spirited black stallion named Blackie—whom no one else could master.

A true outdoorsman, Gene was always happiest when working outside from dawn to dusk—his infamous words, “Daylight’s a-wastin’!”  Over his lifetime, he was a jack-of-all-trades—and truly a master of all.  To know him was to have loved him.  His legacy of hard work, strong spirit, and love for his family will live on in our hearts forever.

Gene is survived by:

Children: Mia Paget, Connie (Stanley) Sheppard, and Kevin (Tracey) Bailey.

Grandchildren: Arica (Robert) Duffy, Fallon Goodman, Brittney Sheppard, Victoria Sheppard, Danielle (Jonathan) Dunnam, Hayden (Alex) Bailey, Cody Sheppard, and Taylor (Curtis) Dyer.

Great Grandchildren: Kristopher Dunnam, Reighlynn Dunnam, and Coleson Dyer.

Siblings: Sister, Barbara Bailey (Bob McBride); Half-sisters, Billy Sue Bailey and Ruth Bailey.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie Cariglino and William Eugene Bailey; his brothers, Dan Bailey and David Bailey; his former wife of 34 years, Ann Bailey—his best friend for life and devoted mother of his children; and his life partner of 14 beautiful years, Kathy Venice.

A memorial service and celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Sarasota National Cemetery.