Employees with the NC Department of Transportation’s Division Four, which includes Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties, have joined together to make the loss of an employee easier on the loved ones he left behind.
On March 23rd, William “Grey” Bailey of Kenly was working in a work zone on the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass project in Wayne County when he was hit and killed by an impaired driver.
Bailey worked for DOT as an engineering technician and had been with the department since 2010. He was also a well-respected firefighter for the Bethany Fire Department. Bailey left behind his wife “Millie”, a deputy with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and their twin daughters.
Employees decided to start a fundraiser to support the Bailey family, and their efforts quickly spread throughout the six-county division. Offices in each county participated by holding sausage/drink sale fundraisers and fundraising drives. With everyone’s support, the division was able to donate approximately $4,500 to Grey’s family.
“Grey Bailey was like all the DOT workers, he was a super team player. Everyone respected and liked to be around him and he was always smiling,” said Division Four Board Member Gus Tulloss.
“His work ethic was excellent. This was a tremendous loss for all of us but his legacy will live on. He has a wonderful wife and two beautiful girls who will definitely miss him.”
“It just goes to show that we are a family. This is our chance to look after Grey’s family for the sacrifice he’s made for us,” said Division Four Engineer Tim Little. “Everybody in Division Four has worked towards that effort. And although we can’t replace Grey, we can do this to honor his memory and help support his family.”
Along with the Division Four fundraiser, other NCDOT divisions throughout the state are providing support, including holding two golf tournaments later this year with proceeds benefiting Grey’s family.
Division Four Bridge Maintenance Engineer Randy Davis summed it up well: “The nature of the DOT is helping others every day. And when a member of the family is affected, then that is what we try to do. Everyone pulls together for them.”
