Earl Richard Dailey

Earl Richard Dailey, age 83 of Battle Creek passed away on July 28, 2020. He was born on June 21,1937 in Grant Center, Michigan to Frank F. and Regina M. (Hayes) Dailey. Earl moved to Battle Creek in 1942, where he resided until his passing. Earl attended Brownlee Park School and Battle Creek Central High School. At 17, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served from 1954-1957. During that time, he was stationed overseas, in Korea. Upon completion of his service with the U.S. Army, he was employed by Ferrari's Sewing Center. In 1959, he began working at The Veterans Administration Hospital as a nurses aid for 13 years, after which he transferred to the plumbing department as a master pipefitter for 20 years, until his retirement in 1992.

On September 18, 1960, Earl married the "Love of His Life", Ruth Ann Millsap. Together, they lovingly raised 5 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and just four months ago, his wife Ruthann. Left to mourn his loss are a twin brother, Merle (Lucy) Dailey and a sister, Marilyn Ferrari. Also surviving are two sons, Darrel (Saglenda Fincher) Dailey, David (Kathy) Dailey; three daughters, Tracy (Everett Howard) Card, Teresa (Steve) Rangel, and Trina (John) Nichols; 13 grandchildren, April Cockrill, Amara Dailey, Lindsey Boyd, Jennifer Dyer-Taft, Chazz Dailey, Tekisha Hale, Ricky Leins, Mariah Leins, Caitlyn Card, Jozlynn Redemsky, Matthew Rangel, Michael Rangel, Brooke Byers, Jacob Hanger; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Earl enjoyed living life to the fullest. Among the things he enjoyed most in life were: Motorcycle trips with his wife and camping with family, woodworking, cooking, baking, drawing, anything mechanical, gardening, music and bonfires. Earl was a jack of all trades. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was the life of the party. He loved to laugh and make people laugh with his practical jokes. He had a kind heart and would do anything for anyone.

The family will receive friends 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate his life will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 3, 2020. As seating will be limited for the service, it will be Live-Streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/198250 or by visiting the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Facebook page. However, everyone is welcome to come and join the procession to Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery where interment with military honors will be held. Memorials directed to Kindred Hospice,625 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 115 Grand Rapids, MI 49546, would be appreciated.