William Keith Dailey

October 3, 1938 – October 10, 2023

William “Bill” Dailey started life in Rolla, Missouri, as the son of Edward and Leona Dailey.  As a World War II child, Bill lived with his younger sister Mary Beth and his mother Leona not far from Fort Leonard Wood where his father served.  After the war, the family reunited and moved to Lansing, Michigan.  Bill grew up in Lansing attending West Jr. High and then Lansing Eastern High School where he starred in track, football, drafting, and student leadership.  Upon graduation, he headed to East Lansing and Michigan State University.  At MSU, he found two degrees, a master’s in social work, and, most importantly, the love of his life Joan Kay Dailey (Hendershott).  Joan and Bill worked side-by-side and their love grew as the Lord blessed them with two children—Kevin Scott Dailey and Vicki Lynne Dailey (Thomas).  Bill served his family, friends, and the State of Michigan for his entire life.

Given Bill’s desire to serve others, he immediately found post-graduate work as a Social Worker, Marriage Counselor, a Governor’s advisor, and a classified State Executive.  During his time as the State of Michigan’s Director of Financial Assistance Programs, he ensured that Michigan’s most disadvantaged citizens received essential assistance to including Medicaid, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and Food Stamps.  His ability to cut through red tape literally multiplied essential resources needed to save and protect lives ultimately earning recognition by the Governor of Michigan and the Congress of the United States.

Bill’s early employment included direct service at family and children’s agencies, mental health, establishment of the forensic center, and the medical review team in the Office of Medical Services. A lifelong member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a Licensed Professional Counselor, Bill applied his many gifts towards helping people and communities to achieve their best.

A loving father and husband, Bill spent 61 years of blissful marriage serving alongside his wife Joan.  Bill served as a Scout Mentor (BSA), a Gleaner, a Gleaner Board Member, a Boy’s and Girl’s Club Sponsor, and a faithful member of The Peoples Church in East Lansing.  Bill and Joan taught their children countless lessons to include: a love for music, camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, traveling, and so much more.  Bill did his best to honor our Lord’s words: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Leona Dailey and his grandson William “Billy” Dailey.  He is survived by his wife Joan Kay Dailey, his son Kevin (Wanda) Dailey, his daughter Vicki (David) Thomas, and his grandchildren—Taylor (Derek) Shafer, Megan Dailey, Kaitlyn (Bruce) Bailey, and Mackenzie Thomas.  His great-grandchildren include Jack William Shafer and Luke Shafer. His siblings include: a sister Mary Chidester-Fitzpatrick and brother-in-law Ed Fitzpatrick, a sister-in-law Sue Brunner and brother-in-law Chuck Brunner, a brother-in-law Larry Hendershott and sister-in-law Susan Hendershott as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Bill Dailey will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, with visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the The Peoples Church in memory of Bill Dailey.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. www.EstesLeadley.com