Bailey, 79, was the long-time faculty athletics representative from Auburn University, where he served as a professor of veterinary medicine. He was near retirement in 1983 when the university asked him to serve as interim president.

In addition to serving as NCAA president, Bailey was NCAA secretary-treasurer in 1985-86.

Bailey was elected to the NCAA Council in 1983 after serving as secretary of the Southeastern Conference. He began service as faculty athletics representative at Auburn in 1976. He chaired the SEC's finance committee and the committee for the implementation of women's athletics in the conference.

He was first appointed to the Auburn athletics committee in 1966. He served as vice-president of academic and administrative affairs at Auburn from 1966 to 1972.

While a member of the NCAA Council, Bailey chaired the NCAA Research Committee.

Bailey's academic career at Auburn covered 50 years.

"Wilford Bailey will be numbered among the most outstanding leaders of Auburn University in its 144-year history," Auburn President Harry Philpott said. "As a teacher, administrator, president and one who always sought the highest standards for the university, he will be remembered for eternity. Auburn has lost a peerless educator and I have lost a dear friend and his wonderful family has lost a devoted husband and father. All who loved him and love Auburn mourn his passing but thank God for his life."