Class of: 1958
Deceased: 2017-04-12

Col. Jerry T. Bailey, USAF, Ret. Jerry graduated from Vero Beach High School, received a B.S. degree from Stetson University, and earned an M.A. degree from Auburn University. After teaching Biology immediately following college, he quickly decided to pursue a different career path. He joined the United States Air Force as a navigator in 1960 and served in various capacities for 29 years. He was a Vietnam War veteran. During his military service, he and his family were stationed in California, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Germany. Jerry traveled extensively and visited over 25 countries.

After retiring from the military, he worked for the State of Texas and Air Force Village. He was an avid musician and actually attended college on a music scholarship. He played the piano and clarinet, sang in the church choir, and played in the bell choir. All his life he had a deep appreciation for classical music and was a strong supporter of the arts. His caustic wit and stubborn exterior veiled a tremendous heart of gold. As a community volunteer, he worked with Therapy Animals, an organization that brings people and animals together for healing.