Cameron Conrad Ray Bailey

Chief Mast Sergeant, Cameron Conrad Ray Baley

MANCHESTER - Chief Master Sergeant Cameron Conrad Ray Bailey, USAF Ret., 63, of Manchester, PA, passed peacefully on February 26, 2021, in his home surrounded by family. He was born March 14th, 1957, in York, Pa, the son of Helen Irene (Shank) Bailey, of Fallbrook California, and William Conrad Ray Bailey.

Chief Bailey, known as “Chief” by his grandchildren, is survived by, in addition to his mother Helen (Shank) Bailey, his loving wife Deborah (Kofalt) Bailey; four children and five grandchildren, Cambria Bailey, her husband Nathan and son Cameron, Caleb Bailey, his significant other Casandra, daughter Lily and son Levi, Nathanael Ocasio, wife Angie and daughter Kiley, Rachel Ocasio, her significant other Jordan and son Kainen; his four siblings, Deidre Promutico and her husband Francis, Torin Bailey, Lanya Bailey-Harrell and her husband Brian, Twila Mazero and her husband Joseph; and his loyal Belgian Malinois, Dakota.

Chief Bailey was preceded in death by his father, W.C. Ray Bailey, his daughter, Aleta Bailey, and his grandson, Lucas.

In 1981, Chief Bailey joined the United States Air Force where he served in the 193rd Special Operations Wing Aircraft Maintenance Group of the PaANG and then later transferred to the 211th Engineering Installation Squadron. Additionally, he was involved with the birthing of the Light Force School and later became the second Commandant on the newly formed Lightning Force Academy.  Two other highly regarded assignments were as the Cyber Force IG Team Member and the 193rd Regional Support Group Chief, where he retired in 2014 after 33 years of service. Prior to his military service, Chief Bailey was a 1975 graduate of York County School of Technology and received a degree at the Community College of the Air Force and the Moody Bible Institute.

During his military service career, Chief Bailey served in support of multiple contingency operations, such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle. He earned several awards throughout his service including the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal, Pennsylvania Commendation Service Medal with Two Stars, along with many others. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Keystone VHF Club, and VFW Post 2493.

Chief Bailey had a knack for nature, adventure, and a strong commitment to his family. He loved cycling, completing several centuries, and was a Spin Class Instructor. In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking with his family, bird watching, and visiting national parks. He was an amateur radio, QRP and morse code enthusiast, known as call sign KT3A. Chief Bailey was an ARES member, AFMARS certified, and an official SkyWarn Spotter. He held countless awards in this field.  In his lifetime he also volunteered with numerous agencies which include The Northeastern Emergency Management Agency and The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program.

Chief Bailey’s family and friends remember him as a man of integrity, a compassionate leader and mentor, a courageous and inspirational man, whom they sought out for guidance and support. He served his Lord each day, setting an example for others as a kind, loyal, generous, fearless, forgiving, family man. His wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy in life, his most prideful accomplishment and what will allow his spirit and legacy to live on.

No newspaper is big enough for the story of this amazing man, husband, father, brother, friend, and leader.  Cameron will be immensely missed by all as the Lord welcomes him home speaking the words “Well done my good and faithful servant!”

Celebration of Life service, open visitation will be held at the Heritage Hills, Terrace Building,  2700 Mount Rose Ave, York, Pennsylvania on March 14, 2021 from 2-3 pm.  Private service to follow.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Diehl Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Mount Wolf.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to LIVESTRONG at yorkcoymca.org/give or by mail to the YMCA of York at 90 North Newberry Street, York, PA 17401 or you can plant a tree in his memory at alivingtribute.org.

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