When I was relaxing from a difficult week battling the stock market in my ‘active trader’ role last night, a tribute to the passing of Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, was played on NPR radio. Steve-O came into my head.
Steve lived down the alley across the street from me and we were in the same home room at Decatur High. Both of us came from other parts of the country. Since we were not of the SOUTH we were labeled “Yankee’s” and viewed as strange when we didn’t join into another action story concerning the Civil War and how the South Will Rise Again sessions. The “War Between the States” was just not a prime subject taught in the schools we hailed from. Steve grew up out West, and I hailed from true Yankee land up North.
I believe Steve was one of the first entrepreneurs of our class during our school years. Who doesn’t remember the ‘Rainbow Drive-In” and all the great burgers, fries, and out of this world thick milkshakes he served to the window of your car. Steve was very proud to throw his arm around you, escort you into the kitchen and show off his weekly Health Department Grade sheet. He had nailed it to the wall, displaying another high score he had received for the excellent sanitation and cleanliness in his business.
One of the things I remember most about Steve was his speech patterns and delivery. With beaming eyes and crooked smile, the words were kind of chewed off and spit at you. Steve was a best buddy and a delightful pal during the early years of my life. As I look back now, he remains that youthful, busy, smiling fellow who knew how to earn a buck; be helpful when I was in need of a few of them: and share his wisdom about success, which most of us rarely saw until our own children were the age Steve was then.
Thank you, class of ‘59’ Reunion for helping me unlock these old memories that reveal how special this time was in my life and still being here to share them.
Steve was 57 years old when he passed away. He died on September 27,1998 at his home. He also had cancer. Steve was the owner of Bailey's Upholstery and Refinishing here in Decatur. He also coached Dixie League Baseball for 23 years and was president of Dixie Youth Baseball's Central League for several years. Steve was born in Ottumva Iowa. His family moved here when he was in the 11th grade. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Linda and four sons, his mother, two brothers Chuck Bailey and Craig Bailey, two sisters Karen and Laura and five grandchildren. All of his family had moved back home except Steve. Steve was a great guy had a little sly smile. But he was a great classmate to all. He would call himself "Steverino" alot. He was a great guy !!
Steve wasa great guy. I always thought he was one of the really great looking guys in our class. He was so sweet and nice. I hated to hear of his death. That was too young to die. Carlyine
Steve was a great guy. I think he moved here from Omaha,Nebraska. He had a 52 chevy that was cream puff and he was so proud of it. I had a 37 Buick that was upgraded, that gave us an instant connection. I remember spending time at his home and his brothers and sisters. They were all big tall guys. Someone started a car club and Steve and i both joined. We spent a lot of time together.
Arn Terry commented on Decatur High School Class of 1961's wall post:
"Thanks you guys seems as if Steve has a big fan base, and this is because Steve was all ways Steve no matter what. Talking about ! Steve taking you in to his kitchen and showing off his health grades he was very proud of his new bun steamer which he used to heat the buns on every hamburger he sold. and man were they good . I,m sorry I miss-stated Blue Circle , What I meant The Rainbow drive in. Sorry Steve.I know you would understand."
Bob Agee
Steve Bailey:When I was relaxing from a difficult week battling the stock market in my ‘active trader’ role last night, a tribute to the passing of Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, was played on NPR radio. Steve-O came into my head.
Steve lived down the alley across the street from me and we were in the same home room at Decatur High. Both of us came from other parts of the country. Since we were not of the SOUTH we were labeled “Yankee’s” and viewed as strange when we didn’t join into another action story concerning the Civil War and how the South Will Rise Again sessions. The “War Between the States” was just not a prime subject taught in the schools we hailed from. Steve grew up out West, and I hailed from true Yankee land up North.
I believe Steve was one of the first entrepreneurs of our class during our school years. Who doesn’t remember the ‘Rainbow Drive-In” and all the great burgers, fries, and out of this world thick milkshakes he served to the window of your car. Steve was very proud to throw his arm around you, escort you into the kitchen and show off his weekly Health Department Grade sheet. He had nailed it to the wall, displaying another high score he had received for the excellent sanitation and cleanliness in his business.
One of the things I remember most about Steve was his speech patterns and delivery. With beaming eyes and crooked smile, the words were kind of chewed off and spit at you. Steve was a best buddy and a delightful pal during the early years of my life. As I look back now, he remains that youthful, busy, smiling fellow who knew how to earn a buck; be helpful when I was in need of a few of them: and share his wisdom about success, which most of us rarely saw until our own children were the age Steve was then.
Thank you, class of ‘59’ Reunion for helping me unlock these old memories that reveal how special this time was in my life and still being here to share them.
Bob Agee
Posted 10.19.08
Pattie Craig (Jett)
Steve was 57 years old when he passed away. He died on September 27,1998 at his home. He also had cancer. Steve was the owner of Bailey's Upholstery and Refinishing here in Decatur. He also coached Dixie League Baseball for 23 years and was president of Dixie Youth Baseball's Central League for several years. Steve was born in Ottumva Iowa. His family moved here when he was in the 11th grade. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Linda and four sons, his mother, two brothers Chuck Bailey and Craig Bailey, two sisters Karen and Laura and five grandchildren. All of his family had moved back home except Steve. Steve was a great guy had a little sly smile. But he was a great classmate to all. He would call himself "Steverino" alot. He was a great guy !!
Carlyine Gibson (Pierce)
Steve wasa great guy. I always thought he was one of the really great looking guys in our class. He was so sweet and nice. I hated to hear of his death. That was too young to die. Carlyine
Jim Burden
Steve was a great guy. I think he moved here from Omaha,Nebraska. He had a 52 chevy that was cream puff and he was so proud of it. I had a 37 Buick that was upgraded, that gave us an instant connection.I remember spending time at his home and his brothers and sisters. They were all big tall guys. Someone started a car club and Steve and i both joined. We spent a lot of time together.
Bob Thomas
Arn Terry commented on Decatur High School Class of 1961's wall post:"Thanks you guys seems as if Steve has a big fan base, and this is because Steve was all ways Steve no matter what. Talking about !
Steve taking you in to his kitchen and showing off his health grades he was very proud of his new bun steamer which he used to heat the buns on every hamburger he sold. and man were they good . I,m sorry I miss-stated Blue Circle , What I meant The Rainbow drive in. Sorry Steve.I know you would understand."