Dates
Dr. Johnny Matt Bailey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on March 6, 1940, in San Angelo, Texas, the son of Wilburn and LaStelle Bailey. He was the second of two children, sharing a close bond with his sister, Nancy.
Johnny grew up on the family farm nestled along the Concho River, about 20 miles east of San Angelo. Life on the farm raising cattle, sheep, and crops instilled in him a profound work ethic and appreciation for perseverance. However, the devastating drought of the 1950’s reshaped his future, turning his sights from agriculture to academics.
He began his schooling at Lowake School in 1946 and later transferred to Paint Rock after Lowake’s closure in 1949. He graduated from Paint Rock High School in 1958 as valedictorian of his class of eleven, having earned all-district honors in football and letters in football, basketball, and track.
Johnny’s journey in higher education began modestly, commuting to San Angelo to take a summer trigonometry course. With a weak math background, he struggled but successfully completed the course. In his autobiography he tells a story that he recalled quite vividly, sitting in the shade of a 1950 Chevrolet pickup, in the middle of a cotton field at the family farm, trying to do his trigonometry homework while tending siphon tubes on an irrigation ditch. While challenging and at times frustrating, that humble beginning sparked a love for learning that would define his life.
At SAC, he distinguished himself, earning the Freshman Mathematics Achievement Award and serving as President of Phi Theta Kappa. He later changed his major from engineering to mathematics and transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in German in 1962.
Johnny worked at UT’s Defense Research Laboratory while pursuing graduate studies and, in 1963, married his high school sweetheart, Carol Orsak. Their bond remained strong for over six decades. Together, they raised two children, Paula and Clinton, and shared a deep commitment to education and community service.
In 1964, Johnny earned his Master of Arts in Mathematics from UT. Two years later, he began doctoral studies and took a teaching assistantship to gain experience in the classroom. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics in 1968, reflecting later that, despite the challenges, his graduate years were among the most rewarding of his life.
That same year, he returned to his academic roots, accepting a position at Angelo State University (ASU), the successor of his alma mater, San Angelo College. He would remain there for 38 years, ultimately becoming Head of the Mathematics Department in 1982 and a Full Professor in 1983. His leadership and dedication shaped generations of students and faculty alike.
Johnny retired from ASU in 2006 and was honored with the title of Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Emeritus. Even in retirement, he remained engaged—visiting his former department, attending ASU sporting events, and staying active at the university’s fitness facilities.
In addition to his academic achievements, Johnny gave generously of his time to youth sports, coaching football at Santa Rita Elementary and Little League baseball for many years. Under his leadership, his teams won several city and league championships, and he was as respected on the field as he was in the classroom. An avid outdoorsman, Johnny enjoyed and took great pride in the traditions of hunting and fishing throughout his years.
Johnny’s legacy is deeply woven into the ASU and UT academic communities. Five members of his family, himself, his wife Carol, daughter Paula, son Clinton and granddaughter Sydnee attended SAC or ASU, continuing a proud tradition of education and service. Continuing his father’s legacy, his son Clinton later earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Bailey of San Angelo; sister Nancy Haechten of Lowake, Texas; his children Paula Meisinger and husband Dave of Monument, Colorado and Clinton Bailey and wife LeeAnn of Fredericksburg, Texas; grandchildren Sydnee Weidner of Big Lake, Texas and Sterlin Richardson of Lubbock, Texas; and his great-grandchild Lillee Whiteker of Big Lake, Texas as well as extended family, colleagues, former students, and friends who will cherish his wisdom, humor, and unwavering integrity.
Dr. Johnny Matt Bailey’s life was one of purpose, quiet excellence, and deep connection to the people and institutions he loved. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family he adored, and the university he helped shape. He will be profoundly missed.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo. A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo. Pallbearers will be Mark Haechten, David Brosig, Dwayne Hoelscher, Dave Meisinger, Stephen Sonnenberg and Ryan Miller. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the fund or a charity of your choice.