RUMFORD — Clarence Junior Bailey, 90, of South Andover, passed into the arms of Jesus, his savior and Lord, on Friday, Oct. 5, at Rumford Hospital.

He was born in Rumford on Oct. 16, 1921, to Clarence Haskell Bailey and Winifred (Abbott) Bailey. He attended Andover schools and graduated in 1939 and went to University of Maine studying agriculture.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Philippines and Japan.

Clarence was a dairy farmer all his life until he could no longer physically do it. He was a born-again Christian and loved his Lord, anxiously awaiting the day he would meet him face-to-face in heaven. He was a founding member of the Calvary Bible Church in South Andover where he served his Lord faithfully until the present as a deacon, and for many years as church treasurer.

He was married June 30, 1944, to Frances Mae Nichols, who predeceased him in 1964. Together they had six children. In 1966 he married his present wife, Mary Gammon Rickards, and they had a daughter. He took her five children as his own to make an even dozen! One Big Happy Family!

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Andover; and his 11children and their families; Rosalie and John Holliday of Bethel, Howard and Laurie Bailey of Andover, Barbara Dakin of Pottersville, N.Y., and June and Mike Inman of Albany Township. Rick (Ernest) and Carole Rickards of West Peru, Barry and Sharon Rickards of Rumford, Donald and Barbara Bailey of Andover, Randall and Ginny Rickards of Union, Kathy and Brian Tibbetts of Bethel, Patty and Steve Wood of Warren, and Judy and Garth Conrad of Andover; a son-in-law, Jim Young of Bethel; and his only brother, Lester and Helen Bailey of Andover; 30 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Frances; his daughter, Nancy Bailey Young; and his parents.

He was a much loved and respected man to all who knew him.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.