“He took great pride in his work” : Lee County School District Custodian dies from COVID-19

LEE COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - For those that knew Custodian Bill Bailey, they say he was a prankster who loved not only his family, but his whole community.

“He would do anything. He took great pride in his work and he did anything that was needed in that building to make it look the best, be the best and be what the kids needed,” said Lee County School District Superintendent Sarah Wasson.

However, on Sunday she received heartbreaking news.

“I actually received a phone call from the principal, early yesterday morning and that was devastating news,” she said.

She learned Bailey died from COVID-19 complications like teacher’s aide Heather Antle had at the end of August.

“Well, our staff members are like family to us so it’s hurtful to hear that news is like any of your family members,” she said.

As cases continue to increase in Appalachia, Wasson said the virus is serious.

“Well the delta variant came in strong and it’s very contagious and I think it took a lot of people by surprise and no matter where you’re at COVID exists, so we all take the proper precautions that we can, he contracted COVID and that’s where we’re at,” she said.

Bailey worked as a custodian for more than 10 years. Wasson said his dedication to his community will never be forgotten.

“We was going to put a quote on his door, we hadn’t made them yet but I think it was “sweat now and shine later” and he just worked really hard to make things look really good and as far as the community goes he was very well loved, very well respected,” she said.

In a social media post on Sunday, his son said his father died around 3:45 a.m. at the Hazard ARH hospital.

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