Pete Bailey

On May 19th, 2026 there was a great heavenly reunion between husband and wife, father and son. Pete Bailey, 97, of Parkersburg peacefully passed away in his favorite chair at home looking upon a picture of his precious wife, Winsome “Winnie” Colby Bailey whom he married on Dec. 14, 1947.

Many know him as Pete, but his given name is George Allen Bailey.

Pete was born on Feb. 5, 1929 in Barnesville, Ohio to Ernest and Cora Bailey. He moved to Parkersburg, W.Va. in 1949 where he and his brother Bob Bailey operated Bailey’s Gulf Station on Juliana Street in Parkersburg. 

After selling the service station he started his career at Shell Chemical Company retiring in 1988 after 27 years of service. 

After retirement his time was spent volunteering at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, at which they were members for 60 years, and Parkersburg Salvation Army delivering meals for 35 years. 

Pete enjoyed golfing, working in the yard, and especially the Bailey Family reunion at Mohican State Park in Loudonville, Ohio. He spent endless hours entertaining and sharing his wisdom with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pete and Winnie especially enjoyed vacations with his special niece, Betty and Paul Modie. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his spouse of 70 years, Winsome Colby Bailey, daughter in law Barbara Bailey, his oldest son Gregory Bailey, and his seven siblings. 

He is survived by his son Jonathan, grandchildren Robert, Jason, Jordan (Sarah), and Derek; great grand children Amber (Hunter Cline), Isabella, Taylor, and Colby, Christian, Nicholas, Peter, Gus, Betty, Rose, and Bill. 

A special thanks to Amedysis Hospice for their end of life care. 

Pete was one of a kind, and he was loved and respected by all. Most people knew him as “Pete”, but others knew him as Dad, Papaw, Poppy, and Uncle Pete.

Papaw has departed this earth, but the impact he’s had on the lives of his family and those around him will endure forever. The family has peace of mind knowing that he is now with his beloved Winnie. 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 26th from 6-8 p.m. at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg. The funeral will be May 27th at 11 a.m. at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Parkersburg (Dudley Avenue) with viewing one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with a luncheon after at Saint Andrew’s. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army of Parkersburg and Saint Andrew’s United Methodist.