Joe Allen Bailey

Joe Bailey, 91, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care. Joe's passing came quietly, and peacefully, sitting in his favorite chair. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Born in Abilene, Texas, on October 14, 1933, Joe was a true product of West Texas, where his love for the outdoors, his sharp intellect, and his deep curiosity about the world took root. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas, which set the stage for a remarkable career.

Joe worked for Shell Oil and then ExxonMobil, where he became known as a pioneer in the field of seismic wave computer processing, developing early techniques for locating oil and gas deposits. His work helped shape the industry, and he retired from ExxonMobil in 1994. After retirement, he moved to a historic house on Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo, a place he had long admired, where he could enjoy the water and nature he loved.

In 1968, Joe married Myla Carroll, and they had one son, Andrew Kevin Bailey. While their marriage ended in 1981, Joe remained a dedicated father. Some of his happiest memories were of trips with Kevin to Big Bend and the Davis Mountains, where they spent time exploring the beauty of West Texas.

Joe’s life took a turn when he met Debbie Hartgrove at a bridge tournament. Their connection was instant, and Debbie would become Joe’s devoted companion for over 20 years, sharing his love of bridge, travel, and quiet moments together.

Joe had a lifelong passion for bridge, both as a player and as a volunteer. He won numerous tournaments throughout the years, but it was his dedication to the local bridge community that left a lasting mark. He used his technical expertise to develop applications that helped the San Angelo Bridge Club organize and run tournaments, offering his skills as a way to give back to a community that brought him much joy.

In addition to bridge, Joe loved boating and spent many years enjoying time on the water in Chocolate and Galveston Bay, and then at Lake Nasworthy. Although he was no longer able to boat in his later years, he held onto his love for the lake and the peace it brought him.

Joe is survived by his son, Kevin Bailey, and his longtime companion, Debbie Hartgrove. He is also remembered fondly by the friends, colleagues, and bridge partners whose lives he touched over the years.

Send donation or memorials to: Unit 204, San Angelo Bridge Club, 902 N. Monroe, San Angelo, Tx. 76901