Albert Wayne Bailey 's Obituary
Albert Wayne Bailey died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's.
Wayne, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Louisville, KY on September 1, 1947. He came to Maryland as a youngster, when his father was stationed at Andrews AFB, and remained in the area throughout his life.
Wayne attended Frederick Sasscer High School in Upper Marlboro, where he met Sandra Hardesty, who would become his wife on February 24, 1967. Wayne spent 4 years in the Air Force with assignments at Barksdale AFB (Louisiana), Goosebay Labrador, Westover AFB (Mass.) and Kadina, Okinawa.
Following military service, Wayne began his career in telecommunications with C & P Telephone Co. as installer-repairman. In 1986 he left C &P to start his own business, Alternative Communications Systems (ACS), which served over 50 high-rise condominium buildings in Washington, DC. He ultimately sold his interest in the business to his partner and went to work for Verizon as a central office technician at the Pentagon.
He remained there until he retired in 2007. Just three years after retiring, he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers at age 63. The diagnosis had a dramatic effect on his ability to continue enjoying the many things he loved - camping, canoeing, travel, his Indian motorcycle, and his 72 Lincoln Continental.
His sense of adventure was replaced with quieter activities centered on family and close friends. In early January 2018 Wayne was placed in the care of hospice that assured his last days at home were comfortable. He passed away quietly in his sleep, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife Sandra and loving daughter Georgia Flanagan (Richard); grandchildren Kelly Nguyen (Michael), Christine Flanagan, Shannon Schoppert (Brandon), John Flanagan, Michael Flanagan and great-grandson Parker Schoppert. He was pre-deceased by his parents Wendell H. Bailey, Sr. and Mary Alberta Bailey, his sister Ramona Morales, and his brother Wendell H. Bailey, Jr.
Inurnment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD (date to be determined). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Ste 400, McLean, VA 22102 or Hospice of The Chesapeake, John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.
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