Old-fashioned sheriff: George Bailey rides into the sunset

January 10, 2008 | Virginia News

Former Albemarle County Sheriff George Bailey's favorite movie was A Wonderful Life-- and not just because he shared the same name as the lead character played by Jimmy Stewart. Albemarle's George Bailey made no bones about it: He lived a wonderful life that ended January 4, when he died at age 80.

Bailey epitomized law enforcement in the county's recent, rural past when there could be two deputies responsible for covering the entire county. "George was a straight shooter," says former Charlottesville Police chief John deK. Bowen. "He was the picture of the old-time sheriff-- a strong leader, respected, without the technology police have today."

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