Alpheus Bailey, also known as “Bill Bailey” and “The Bible Man,” died on Saturday, April 10 at his residence. He was born to the late John Bailey and Beatrice Carr, on Jan. 24, 1939. He came to St. Thomas from Antigua in 1961. He was naturalized in 1976.
He worked at the old hospital as a male nurse and later as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) at the Schneider Hospital in 1978. He worked on the West Indian Company dock as a trolley driver for a short time.
Alpheus Bailey is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eva Mae Bailey; his brother, Easwall M. Semper; and sisters: Carole Bailey, Kathleen “Baby” Semper and Joycelyn Semper. He is also survived by his children: Alpheus F. Bailey, Officer Neal Bailey, Avril Bailey and Alonzo Bailey; stepsons: Bryan Henley, Dale Penn and Neal Mala; stepdaughter, Celine Mala; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces: Eilet Semper-Smith and Carol Simmons, Mahalia Semper and Clarence Dave Hobson; nephew, Edian Semper, and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A first viewing will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 at Davis Funeral Home Chapel. A second viewing will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church on Friday, April 23. Interment will be at Eastern Cemetery.
All arrangements are entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, 774-1464.