Raymond J. Bailly

Raymond Joseph Bailly, of Columbus, Nebraska passed on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Columbus Community Hospital.

Visitation will be on Monday October 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Vigil to follow at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation continues Tuesday morning, October 22nd at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 at the Church. Interment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

Ray was born on December 2, 1963, in East Orange, New Jersey to and Richard Emile Bailly and Phyllis May Foisy. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from High School at Oratory Prep in Summit, NJ. He continued on to receive an associate of science from Morris County college in 1987. Ray was joined in holy matrimony to Vilma at St. Joseph's Church in West Orange, NJ in 1993. Ray had a fulfilling career in law enforcement and carpentry, though Ray always said the best job he ever had was being a father to his four children and an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Ray was a loving husband and a dedicated father. He cherished every moment spent with his family and created memories that will last a lifetime.

In 2001 the Bailly family moved to Columbus, which they have called home for nearly three decades, proudly raising their children Richard, Chris, Stephanie, and Sarita. Ray found great joy in sharing his passion for fishing and the outdoors with his children. He worked hard to provide for his family and always put others first. Ray maintained a close relationship with his siblings despite being scattered around the map. He was a friend to everyone he met; he was known for telling stories, jokes, and giving great advice. Ray was never seen without a smile and a cup of coffee in hand. Ray was an active member of the community through volunteering at the church. His strong faith was palpable by those around him. If you came to him for advice, the first thing he would ask is "Well, have you prayed on it?". Although Ray battled with chronic illness, he never let it get in the way of being there to support his friends and family. He never missed an opportunity to talk about his children's many achievements or boast about his wife's hard work and dedication to their marriage. He attributed his long life to his wife Vilma. He always said without her unwavering love, support, companionship he would not have lived the beautiful life that he did. She was his best friend, wife, caregiver, personal chef, and so much more. Thirty-one years of marriage will never be enough, but their love will last an eternity. Rays booming laugh and commanding voice will be heard echoing from heaven from now until we join him one day.

Ray is survived by:
Wife- Vilma Bailly
Son- Richard Bailly (Paige)
Son- Chris Bailly (Ciara)
Daughter- Stephanie Bailly
Daughter- Sarita Bailly (Anthony)

Sister- Helen McGreevy (Bill)
Sister- Patricia Matts
Brother- Richard Bailly (Marty)
Sister- Jean Orvlosky (Mike)
Sister- Ruth Wittig (Mike)
Sister- Mary Rooney

Preceded in death by:
Richard Emile Bailly
Phyllis May Foisy
Maria Reyes
Jose Mario Gomez
John Matts
Renee Gomez