CULLODEN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Monday, Senate President Craig Blair broke the news that former WV Senate Majority Leader Billy Wayne Bailey had died at his home in Culloden, a community in eastern Cabell County.
Bailey had served the 9th senatorial district out of Wyoming County between 1991 and 2008. In 2020, he was the Democratic Party’s nominee for Cabell County Commission, losing to incumbent commissioner, Nancy Cartmill (R-Barboursville).
“Everyone loved BWB!”
Senator Mike Oliverio’s (R-Mon 13) first go-around in the West Virginia Senate (1994-2010) nearly overlapped with Bailey’s time in office.
When reached for his reflections on Sen. Bailey, Oliverio quickly replied, “Everybody loved BWB!”
Oliverio noted his sense of humor and deep understanding as the keys to Bailey’s success in politics and in life. He added, “(Billy Wayne) was a lot of fun to serve with in the Senate; he really understood the people in his district and what was important to them.”
Sen. Oliverio noted that he is thinking of Bailey’s family and keeping them in his prayers.
“Lasting impact”
Delegate Chris Toney (R-Raleigh, 43) serves a district that is entirely within the 9th senatorial district and includes northwestern Raleigh County and a portion of northern Wyoming County. When asked about Bailey, Toney spoke of how the legacy of his service left a template for those who followed, stating, “His dedication to his community leaves a lasting impact in Wyoming County and beyond. I hope we are all encouraged by his legacy of service.”
Like Senator Oliverio, Toney turned to his faith to strengthen the bereaved: “My prayers are with the family and friends of State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey.”
