HOUSTON – Bill Bailey, the longtime voice of the Houston Rodeo, died Thursday, KPRC2 has learned.
Bailey was the voice of the rodeo for decades before he retired in 2015. He began as a volunteer with the rodeo and was a board member and lifetime executive.
"I'm going to miss the kids most of all. The kids and the calves," he said after he announced his retirement.
Bailey started as a DJ with KIKK radio, and then served as a Harris County Precinct 8 constable from 1983 until 2011.
We will post memorial service information here when we get it.
VIDEO: Bill Bailey retires in 2015
Harris County Precinct 8 Constable's Office released a statement that read:
"Though he played many roles throughout his lifetime, from award winning radio personality to being the “voice” of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, he is best known to his Precinct 8 family as simply, Constable Bailey. Bill Bailey was elected to the position of Constable for Precinct 8 in 1983 and served in that capacity until his retirement in May of 2011. He was the first Constable in Texas to serve as president of the Texas Association of Counties in 2002 and was a long time member of the Justice of the Peace and Constables Association. He was very active in many local organizations and was a strong believer in County government and its role to the citizens.
"Many of us here at Precinct 8, myself included, joined the ranks of this agency under Bill Bailey’s leadership. I was honored to serve under Constable Bailey for so many years and to work alongside him as a member of this law enforcement “family." He ran a tight ship, but you always knew he was there to guide and help you in any way he could. He was a big part of many of our lives and will truly be missed.
"On behalf of the staff of Precinct 8, both current and former, I offer our prayers and condolences to his family and many friends. God bless you, sir."
Joel Cowley, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president/CEO released the following statement:
"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ today lost one of its biggest ambassadors with the passing of “The Constable,” Bill Bailey. Bill was more than a Show Lifetime Vice President or one of our past RODEOHOUSTON® announcers—he was a true friend to so many of us. He represented the Texas-sized heart of the Show, and our volunteers, staff, and the many young Texans he helped through the years will miss him tremendously."
