Russell Clark Bailey, born on May 29, 1952 passed away at his beloved home in Colchester, CT on December 11, 2024. Predeceased by his mother Mary Elizabeth Rowley Bailey and his father Clarkson Lambert Bailey, he is survived by his daughter Leslie Ann (Bailey), sister Dr. Lois Ann Bailey, brother Scot Alan Bailey, sister-in-law Heidi Morrill Bailey, and his two nieces Emerson Monroe Bailey and Fallon Kincaid Bailey.

Air Force Reserve (AFRES) Airman Russell Clark Bailey graduated from Lackland AFB in Texas, where he received specialized training in human relations and police security. Prior to joining the Air Force Reserve, he graduated from RHAM High School in Hebron in 1970, and received his B.A. degree in English Literature from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1975. After graduation, he was stationed in Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfort, Germany. During this time, he was able to explore some of Europe and fell in love with the beauty and architecture of Lucerne, Switzerland. After his time in the Air Force Reserve, Russell worked IT in the insurance industry in CT until his retirement.

Rusty, his childhood nickname referring to the color of his hair, was known for his love of nature and the great outdoors. He was always working on his yard, creating trails and tending to his bird feeders. As a teenager, Russ worked at Day Pond State Park and his love for the area never stopped. He continued to frequent the park as an adult, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the tranquil sounds of nature. Russ loved all kinds of animals, but most especially his dogs Nelly, Chipper and Ebony, whom he had trained to perfection.

His fascination with flying never stopped, as he would frequent Windham Airport just to watch the planes take-off and land. Also fond of high-performance sports cars, he owned two Porsches, two Corvettes and two Mustangs over the years. His favorite car of all time is the 1967 Pontiac GTO.

When it came to food, Russ enjoyed pan-fried hamburgers, rice-a-roni, canned tuna, and cottage cheese with pineapple. However, his absolute favorite food was pizza, which he ate at every holiday gathering regardless of the traditional foods that were prepared and presented.

The family would like to thank Paul Cavaliere for his help and many kindnesses over the years and David Aubin, cousin and friend who was never too busy to visit, lend a hand, run an errand or discuss a car show they watched on television. 

While attending Bible school as a child, Russ had to memorize three Psalms. His favorite is Psalm 23 ~ The Lord Is My Shepherd.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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