James W. Bayless
James W. “Bill” Bayless, 83, of West Alexander, died at 2:25 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013, in Wheeling (W.Va.) Hospital after suffering heart failure one week ago.
He was born June 8, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, a son of the late Everett and Clara Shaler Bayless, and had resided in the West Alexander area most of his life.
Mr. Bayless was a member of West Alexander United Methodist Church and attended the former West Alexander High School.
He also was a member of West Alexander American Legion Post 656 and West Alexander Golden Agers Senior Citizens.
Mr. Bayless enjoyed hunting, camping and cutting wood as long as his health permitted; he also was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a seaman with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS LSMR 514, USS Kenneth Bailey and USS Chandeleur. He received the World War II Victory Medal.
Mr. Bayless was formerly employed as a fleet mechanic with the former Farm & Dairy Co-Op in Triadelphia, W.Va., and was last employed as a mechanic at the U.S. Postal maintenance facility in Wheeling for 26 years, prior to retiring in 1985.
On September 2, 1950, he married Ruth Eileen Bardall, who died September 2, 2006, on their 56th wedding anniversary.
Surviving are two sons, Steve Bayless of West Alexander and Gregory “Shorty” Bayless of Gelbert, Ariz.; two daughters, Connie Rush of Washington and Deborah Ryan of Burgettstown; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, John Bardall and Thomas, husband of Marge Bardall, both of Freeport, Ohio; his best friend and companion, Wanda Jean McCord of Valley Grove, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, are a sister, Marjory Ragozzino; and two sons-in-law, Mark Ryan and John Rush.
Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday in West Alexander United Methodist Church, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013, with the Rev. Linda Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in West Alexander Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be accorded by Claysville American Legion Post 639 and representatives of the U.S. Navy. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to West Alexander United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 302, West Alexander, PA 15376. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville.