Kathryn Buckstaff
News-Leader
BRANSON — The Branson community is mourning the death Friday of Bill Dailey, a colorful impresario credited by many for popularizing the town's entertainment industry in its early days.
William "Bill" Augustus Dailey Jr. was born in New Orleans and died in his home at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer.
Dailey married his wife, Janet Dailey, a well-known novelist, in 1964. They moved to Branson in 1979 and in 1985, he opened the Country Music World theater. There were about eight theaters in town then. Now, there are 45. Among performers he presented there was Shoji Tabuchi, now among Branson's most prominent entertainers.
He later built the Wildwood Flower Supper Club, showcasing a variety of entertainers. And in 1990, he presented the first widely known morning show, featuring singer and dancer Jennifer Wilson, leading to what has become a staple. More than a dozen morning shows now play in Branson.
Dailey, president of Dailey Enterprises, specialized in artist management and real estate development. His latest project was the New Shanghai Theatre that opened last week, built specifically for the Acrobats of China troupe. Dailey's funeral service will be held there Monday.
Jim Stafford will be among those adding a musical tribute at Monday's memorial service at Dailey's request, he said.
When Jim and Ann Stafford came to Branson in 1990, Dailey loaned him money to buy his first theater, Stafford said.
"He opened the door for us," Stafford said. "He was probably more sure than I was that this would all work out. And sometimes that show of confidence is what you need to make it work out."
Dailey was a great man in many ways, Stafford said. "He was a man of his word. He spoke his mind, and he did what he said he'd do."
Stafford said he was a friend and a fan of Dailey's: "He did what he wanted to do, and he did it his way," Stafford said. "That will be part of his legacy."
For Dailey, retirement wasn't an option, he said as the Shanghai Theatre was under construction. His plan was to build theaters and lease them.
"I'll build a hothouse if someone wants it," Dailey said.
His longtime friend Jim Thomas — who came to Branson in 1968 — and Dailey were partners in the Lodge of the Ozarks.
Dailey was known for his candor and salty language.
"I forgave him for his crudeness as he forgave me for mine," Thomas laughed.
Dailey was "blunt, but he was truthful," Thomas said. "You could trust him, and that's a trait that everyone should appreciate in a person. He was an important person in my life, and when I heard about him this morning, I got a big lump in my throat."
In addition to his wife, Dailey is survived by three sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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