Bailey, Ralph O. , age 94, died September 18, 2009 at home after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was known most of his life as "the milkman" for many homes and businesses in Hueytown, Bessemer and McCalla, one of six sons in the family business of W. C. Bailey and Sons Dairy. When the dairy closed, he worked for Baker & Sons Dairy until retirement. After that he worked for many years at a local mercantile store and the Post Office in McCalla. During World War II he served the Navy from 1942 - 1945, assigned to the 18th Construction Battalion (the Fighting CB's) building roads and air strips in the South Pacific. For many years, he enjoyed attending the annual reunions of the CB's all over the country. In 1995, he proudly presided as president of the reunion, held in Charleston, S.C. Mr. Bailey was a long-time member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and the McCalla Civitan Club. Gentle in spirit and nature, soft hearted, and a smile for all; Mr. Bailey was the essence of a true Southern Gentleman. His parents, William Conrad and Sarah Oslin Bailey, his brothers, Merle, Clyde, Fred and Charles and sister, Mildred Bailey Davidson and his wife of 69 years, Ruth Parsons Bailey, preceded him in death. He is survived by three daughters, Alys B. Wilson (Larry); Emily B. McDaniel, Sarah O. Bailey, and son, Ralph O. "Bud" Bailey, Jr.; brother, James Harold Bailey. Grandchildren and great grandchildren are: Ellyn Killingsworth (Dean) and son, Trent; Darryl Wilson (Debbie) and sons, Christopher and Jonathan; Doug Wilson (Janet) and children, Lauren, Drew, and Kayla; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express special thanks to his caregivers and friends; the late Lucille Maddox, who lovingly cared for both Mr. and Mrs. Bailey; Nannette Gaines, Michael Norfleet, Monica Tremble and the Veterans Administration nurses and doctors. Visitation will be at Valhalla Funeral Home, Midfield, Monday, September 21, 2009 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. followed by gravside services at Valhalla Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, 300 Office Park Drive, Mtn. Brook, AL 35223 or the building fund at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 4809 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022.