Stephen Randolph Bailey

1959 - 2025

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Stephen "Beaver" Randolph Bailey, 65, passed away at his home on October 12th, 2025. He was a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed. Steve had a tremendous heart for giving and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure.

A proud graduate of Virginia Tech, Steve went on to enjoy a distinguished 33-year career as an airline pilot. He flew for several airlines and ultimately retired from JetBlue, where he was known for his professionalism, calm demeanor, deep passion for aviation, and prided himself on making each landing better than the last one.

Steve had a lifelong love of sports. At Lord Botetourt, he was a standout athlete, excelling in football and pole vaulting. He was also a founding member of the original Botetourt motorcycle gang, the Daleville Dirt Diggers where membership simply required a helmet-even if it was a football helmet. Later in life, he found joy in fly fishing and golf, pursuits that combined his appreciation for nature with his love of challenge and focus. Whether casting a line on a quiet stream or golfing with friends, Steve was in his element outdoors in his daily uniform of t-shirt, shorts, boots, and ever-present ball cap, no matter the season.

After retirement, Steve enjoyed playing golf with his regular group of friends at Blue Hills, doing tractor work, and starting every day with his shotgun rider, Lakyn, scouting the neighborhoods for wildlife, doing farm checks to count cattle, and running errands. His love for animals extended to his other pup, Harper, his kitties, Bailey and Tortie, as well as the deer, birds, and any other wildlife that had the good fortune of wandering into the yard.

Steve was generous beyond measure and gave selflessly. Whether mowing lawns for friends and neighbors, buying "closer drinks" for the serving staff at his favorite local restaurant, Tizzone, or even helping a random stranger on a chance encounter, he never expected anything in return.

Steve never met a stranger and as a result he cultivated countless cherished friendships, many dating back to his childhood growing up in Daleville. His warmth, humor, and steady presence will be missed beyond measure. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Dewey James Bailey, Jr. and Nancy Casey Bailey and stepmother Patty Bailey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Andrea Stetson; his stepchildren, Matthew Sweeney (wife Madeline) and Meredith Craven (husband Brian); grandchildren, Ruby, Park, and Lillian; and his brothers, Richard Bailey (wife Kelly), Michael Bailey (wife Sally), Dewey Bailey (wife Susan), Hal Bailey (wife Cindy), and Bobby Bailey. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews: Kyle, Marshall, Anne, Paige, Tyler, Carrington, Lizzie, Julia, Hal, Jack, Emma, and Sophie.

You are invited to share memories and stories through the Forced Joy Project: https://bookofstories.com/contribute/90. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Steve, his favorite charities were St. Jude's Children Hospital, Tunnels2Towers, and Angels of Assisi in Roanoke. The family will host a Celebration of Life open house on December 19, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Hal and Cindy, 3564 Catawba Rd. Troutville, VA. 24175.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Randolph Bailey, please visit our flower store.

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