LEONARDTOWN, Md. – This is to advise that Commissioner President Randy Guy has ordered the Maryland state flag and the St. Mary’s County flag immediately lowered to half-staff. This action is in honor of former St. Mary’s County Commissioner William Edward “Eddie” Bailey who died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Mr. Bailey served as a Commissioner for two terms from 1986-1994.
The flags are to remain lowered until sunset the day of his interment on a date to be determined.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County extend their deepest sympathies to the family of William Edward “Eddie” Bailey. “We are saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Bailey and recognize this deep loss to our community. Eddie Bailey was well known for his generous service to St. Mary’s County, and this loss will be felt for a long time to come,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy.
“Today, we lost a legend. This man started this business over 60 years ago on a hope. He, along side his wife, family and many others built this business into what it is today. While he is not here any longer to stop by every party to make sure that it is going well, he has passed on many of his traits to others. He touched the lives of all that he came in contact with and never met a stranger. May we all go through life learning from this. He will be greatly missed. Please keep his family in your thoughts an prayers during this time.” –Olde Breton Inn and Bailey’s Catering
“I am so sad to hear the news of the passing of Eddie Bailey. Eddie was an icon in our community. I can share more than a few good Eddie Bailey stories. I’ll never forget while running for my first election and having some time to kill before a Friday night steak and shrimp dinner in Avenue; I decided to door knock at Eddie’s house. I’ll never forget his face as he looked up from his kitchen bar while reading the local paper and saw me through his door. I could read his lips, “Damn, Matt Morgan.” Haha! I ended up spending a few hours at his place that day as he showed me around his entire property. It was a great time, and I am so happy that I became friends with him. Eddie continued to be a great supporter after the election- I think he attended every fundraiser I hosted. I remember calling him out a few times during speeches for attending a Republican fundraiser. I’m so thankful for the support, encouragement, and friendship that he gave me. He used to give me such a hard time about being a Republican, and I’d whisper to Eddie that I knew he secretly loved Republicans because he had a portrait of Abe Lincoln hanging at his Olde Breton Inn. Eddie would reply, “that’s okay because he’s dead.” I remember once we were at Flag Day in Leonardtown, and as Eddie and I were talking and trying to solve the world’s problem, this stranger came up and thanked Eddie, saying, “I just want to thank you, sir, I got my first paycheck from you.” Eddie replied, “did it cash?”
It was a classic Eddie Bailey response, oh, what a great guy! I am going to miss Eddie Bailey sincerely. He had such love for life and our community. I am afraid any event, especially in the Seventh District, will never be the same without him. I am just so happy that I got to spend as much time with him as I did. My condolences and my family’s thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bailey family. Godspeed, Eddie Bailey. May you rest in peace, my friend.” –Delegate Matt Morgan
“The Officers and Members of the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department send our heartfelt condolences to the Bailey Family in your time of loss.
“Eddie Bailey was an icon to the Seventh District and all of St. Mary’s County and beyond. Eddie and his wife Patsy were generous supporters of the Seventh District VFD throughout the years.
“Eddie was a member of our department from 1954 until 1969. He was one of the many who joined the department to make a difference in the community and help mold the future of our department to ensure success throughout the years.
We thank Eddie for his service to our department and our community as he will be greatly missed. To the Bailey family, we again send our sincere sympathy during this time and are here for you in this time of grief.” -Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department