Corey Bruce Bailey
Obituary

It is with deep sadness and joyous memories that we announce the passing of Corey Bruce Bailey on August 29, 2026. 

Corey was born in Torrance, California to Robert Bivian Bailey and Martha Myra (née Turton) Bailey. He spent most of his childhood in Northern California and finished his senior year at Burbank High School.       

For four and a half decades, Corey worked as an audio engineer in the music and film industries, recording many performing artists and working for film studios such as Cannon, MGM, and Warner Brothers. He was well known professionally for the technical precision and artistry of his work, warmth and humor he brought to every interaction, and his incredible depth of knowledge on sound, electrical engineering, and analog and digital recording practices. He had a deep passion for archiving film and audio as well as helping people restore and archive their personal histories from aging video and sound formats.

Corey enjoyed outings with his family that involved camping, bicycling, skiing, golfing, and urban exploration. A natural and lifelong scientist and learner, he approached every experience with curiosity. A walk with Corey would involve musings on the surrounding flora and fauna. Road trips meant delving into local history and food as well as recording family telling their stories. Due to his insatiable desire to tinker and find project supplies (or records) on a budget, it was impossible to keep Corey from a good swap meet or yard sale. It was also impossible to keep Corey from an ice cream shop.

Corey loved animals and, along with his wife Jewel, had a rural home filled with not only dogs and cats but also horses, a goat, chickens, a box turtle, and other local animals. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his children. Corey could be found playing the role of coach and cheerleader at sporting events such as football, hockey, or soccer games; enjoying family gatherings; working with his kids to build a computer or instrument; or taking them along for an errand just so that he could take them out to lunch or breakfast.

Corey will be remembered and missed by many.

Corey is preceded in death by his previously mentioned parents, his stepmother Lorriane Billingsley, his siblings Barbara Simonsen Horsley and Rudy Bailey, and his children Justin and Summer. 

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Jewel R. (née Smith) SmithBailey, their children Megan Rose (Bradley) Bailey and Weston Dean Bailey, his sons Michael (Cindy née Pell) Bailey (with children Corrianne (Alexandros) Petrou and Garrett Bailey) and Wade Bailey (with children Britney (Ben) Clary, Brandon Bailey, and Kara (Chase) Bailey with son Malachi), his stepsister Jeanene Whitwam, and many nieces and nephews. 

Upcoming opportunities to remember Corey will be posted in coming weeks.