George Calvin Dailey

January 31, 1927 - January 2, 2016

George Calvin Dailey was born January 31, 1927 in Kenosha, Wisconsin the son of Earnest Calvin Dailey and Esther Eldora (Thomas) Dailey. George was raised in Knoxville and was the fourth of nine children. At the age of 13 he went to work for Harold Behrens Dairy delivering milk. He also worked for Strasbergers Clothing, and helped the last threshing team that went through Knoxville. George served 4 years in the United States Navy as a ship’s cook. On September 18, 1948 he was united in marriage to Bettie Lou Deeringer. He later worked at Maytag, but the majority of his career was spent at the Knoxville V.A. Hospital as a nurse aid. He retired from the V.A. with 30 years of service. He also worked on the side as a carpenter for many years. George loved music and played the guitar and harmonica and always led his family in their traditional Christmas Eve sing-a-long. His Country Western band played for music festivals all around the area. When his boys were small he coached and umpired Little League baseball. George was a member of the Kiwanis for several years. He enjoyed woodworking, especially making baby rattles and walking sticks. His greatest joy was his family; George cherished spending time with each and every one of them whether it was a holiday, birthday or just a campfire. He was a Grandpa to all children in the neighborhood. George passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics at the age 88 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers- Howard, Bob, Merle, and Ed, and four sisters- Hilda, Sarah, Lois, and Helen. Those left to honor George’s memory include his wife, Bettie Lou; children: Rick (Lois) Dailey, Kathie (Larry) Chambers, Jamie Dailey and Ann (Jack) Wallace all of Knoxville; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; Sister-In-Laws Ruth Dailey and Betty Dailey, and Brother-In-Law Jim Beaver; and many other family members and friends. Memorial services for George C. Dailey, age 88 of Knoxville, will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be rendered following the service. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Rescue Unit. Online condolences may be left at BertrandFuneralHomes.com.