Raymond E. Bailey Sr., 89

BRISTOL — Raymond E. Bailey Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, retired New Hampshire state trooper, and lifelong sports fan, passed away July 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and deep love for his family.

Born on Sept. 1, 1936, in Warner, to the late Ralph and Evelyn Bailey, Ray was a proud 1954 graduate of Franklin High School. He was a standout athlete during his high school years, excelling in football, basketball, and his lifelong favorite sport, baseball.

Following his graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force and stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. It was there that he married the love of his life, Sylvia (Suojanen), in 1957, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 69 years. Honorably discharged in 1958, Ray and Sylvia returned home to New Hampshire to build their life together.

After working various jobs, Ray found his true calling in law enforcement, joining the New Hampshire State Police in 1963. He soon took over the central New Hampshire patrol, settling his family in Bristol, which became their forever home. A highly respected trooper, Ray also served with distinction in the State Police Canine Unit for several years before his retirement in 1983.

Never one to sit idle, Ray found immense joy and peace in his post-retirement role as a property caretaker in Bridgewater, a position he faithfully held for over 25 years. He tended to the property with the same care and attention as if it were his own, often calling it one of the truly beautiful locations in the Newfound area.

Off the clock, Ray’s greatest passion was his family. He cherished every opportunity to watch his children play sports, cheering them on from the sidelines. During the summer months, the Boston Red Sox provided him with a steadfast, lifelong source of entertainment, giving him endless reasons to both cheer and complain.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn, as well as his siblings, Edward, Barbara and Howard. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Sylvia; his son, Raymond Jr., and his wife Mandy of Exeter; his daughter, Joanne Bailey, and her husband Chuck of Bristol; and his daughter, Sheila Robison, and her husband James, also of Bristol. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Brett Bailey, Ben Bailey, Bailey Caristi, Nick Robison, Zach Robison and Abby Blair; and a doting great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at the United Church of Christ Church, 15 Church St., followed by burial with full military honors at the New Hampshire Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Bailey’s memory should be made to a charity or cause of your choice.