Fred was born on December 28, 1939, in Warren, OH to parents John and Anna Bailey. Fred and his sisters, Judy and Jean, spent their early years on a farm in Northeast Ohio amongst a large family from both his mother's and father's side. The farm produced sweet corn and strawberries for family and for sale at the local curb market in the city. They were fortunate to have a Jersey dairy cow which provided milk, cream and butter. A pony gave everyone hours of fun and entertainment. The days were carefree, roaming the property and helping with chores.

The family moved to New Mexico for his mother's health and a job opportunity for his father. Fred graduated from Los Alamos High School where he had been active in math and science projects and served as trumpet player and drum major in the school band. He attended New Mexico State, worked professionally as a radio DJ, then joined the US Navy, serving on a nuclear submarine. At port in Quincy, Massachusetts, Fred met his future wife, Thelma Berman and her two children, Cheri Lynn and David. They married in 1967 and a new family welcomed Cheri Lynn and David into the Bailey Clan. After discharge from the Navy, Fred moved the new family to New Mexico, where Fred accepted a job with Sandia Laboratories on Kirtland AFB, staying 25 years before retiring. Unfortunately, cancer took Thelma after only 9 years of marriage, but remained a constant in Cheri Lynn and David's lives.

Fred met Mal-ye Son in 1992, and the two were married shortly after at the very place their love began, Fortune Cookie Restaurant. Together, he embraced Mal-ye and her daughters, Mi-Hyen and Je-Hyen, as his own, building a beautiful life filled with cherished memories and a deep sense of family. Whether gathering at the family cabin or exploring the sweeping landscapes of New Mexico, Fred had a rare gift of bringing those he loved together in joy and discovery.

A selfless and devoted family man, Fred was a steady source of guidance and encouragement throughout the years, all while keeping everyone laughing with his quick with and trademark humor. He lived generously, always putting his family before himself. He was blessed with 3 nephews, 4 stepchildren, 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Fred was a man with many different interests. He could spend an afternoon watching Courage the Cowardly Dog and follow it with an obscure cinematic gem like Bagdad Café, savoring both with equal enthusiasm. His love of steam engines drew him to Cottonwood, Arizona year after year, where he looked forward to attending the annual Arizona Flywheelers show alongside good friends. A lifelong devotee of science fiction, he was a familiar and beloved face at Albuquerque's Bubonicon Convention each year, celebrating the genre he cherished with a community that shared his passion. A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at FRENCH-Lomas.