Charles Joseph Bailey

Mr. Charles Joseph “Beetle” Bailey, 81, of Frederick, Maryland, passed peacefully going to be with the Lord Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Ann Millicent Bailey, married for 55 years.

Beetle was born June 18th, 1943 at Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, VA to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph & Helen Bailey. He was the oldest of two children, spending his early years in Alexandria, VA, and later moving to Hyattsville, MD in 1950, where he continued grade school. He graduated from Archbishop Catholic High School in Washington, D.C. in 1961, and attended the University of Maryland for a short time, before deciding to join the workforce. He was soon hired as an installer for C & P Telephone (now Verizon) and worked his way up through the company over the years. After retiring from Bell Atlantic, he joined an independent Sales Force, Tollgrade Communications, where he continued his work as a Regional Sales Manager for the industry until 2009.

Beetle grew up with a love for sports, particularly basketball and tennis, spending many childhood days playing at Magruder Park. He was also a Volunteer Firefighter for the Hyattsville Fire Department, serving as Captain at the Co. #1 Farragut St. station through the 1960’s. Beetle met his beloved Ann while playing tennis, marrying in 1970, followed by a wonderful honeymoon in Oahu, HI. After living in Damascus for over a decade, they purchased land in the Catoctin Mountains building their dream house themselves, thus creating the cherished family home “Tha Pwopady” or The Bear House as it’s known to many Frederick County locals. There, he and Ann raised their five beautiful children, and built lifelong memories with their grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Beetle had a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was an active member in the Church of the Redeemer. He taught Sunday School and participated in multiple bible studies over the years, as well being an usher on Sunday Mornings. He built and was blessed by so many lasting friendships through his time serving.

One of Beetle's lifelong joys was spending time with the family on vacation at Capon Springs and Farms, always attending as regulars during the 3rd week of August. Beetle first went to Capon as a child with his family when he was five years old, and has continued that tradition, passing it down through generations. Lifelong trips to Capon forged strong friendships and deep traditions the family hopes to continue.

Beetle was preceded in death by his wife Ann, Granddaughter Reese Olivia Bailey, his parents, brothers-in-law Robert Bessio, Buddy Wolff, Eddie Wolff, Richard Thomas, and sister-in-law Lynn Thomas.

He is survived by his children; sons Michael (Amanda) Bailey of Boonsboro; Christopher (Heather) Bailey of Keedysville; Patrick (Ashley) Bailey of Walkersville; Peter (Rebecca) Bailey of Frederick; and daughter Lauren (Brad) Hill of Woodsboro. Along with his loving grandchildren Samantha, Mikayla, Clark, Bryson, Marin, and London. Beetle is also survived by sister Mary Bessio, brothers-in-law Spencer, Danny, and Paul Wolff; sister-in-law Maggie Voorhees; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of his Life at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 on Saturday April 19th, 2025 from 1-5pm in a drop-in style setting. Prayers will be offered at 2pm.