John Phillip Bayless
March 19, 1939 ~ February 15, 2023
John Phillip Bayless, 83, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on February 15, 2023, at Agape Hospice Home. He was born on March 19, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to John Harold Bayless, and Lila King Bayless. He married Juanita Barr on August 25, 1962; she preceded him in death in December 2010.
John graduated from Mooseheart High School near Aurora, Illinois in 1957. He served in the United States Army for three years and then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Montana in 1966. After graduation, John enjoyed a professional career in sales, working for several electronics manufacturing companies.
John’s early childhood years were spent in Columbus, Indiana, where he returned after his retirement. He was a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, a DIY handyman, loved the history of the American West, geography, and traveling throughout the United States.
John is survived by his daughter, Heather (Garrett) Bowling, of South Carolina, and his son, John (Beth) Bayless, of Illinois; his grandchildren, Morgan (Jeremy) Dubose, Matthew Bowling, and Nathan Bowling of South Carolina, Katherine Bayless, and Brooke Bayless of Illinois; brother, M. Thomas (Rose) Bayless, of Illinois
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lila Bayless, and his wife, Juanita Bayless.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, with Military Honors provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Public visitation will be from 9 AM to 11 AM on the day of the service. A private entombment will follow at the Garland Brook Mausoleum.
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So sorry for your loss. John was a distant relative. Although I have few memories of John. I do have several precious memories of Aunt Lila and Tommy. Again I’m very sorry. Jo Anna Shafer Kittle
I have so many stories about my friend John, but would be a book to tell all of them. John’s wife, Juanita, and I were sorority sisters in college when I met John. My husband, Bill, and I were great friends from then on. Our sons always referred to John as Uncle John. We took many vacations together with our families, lots of fun times. John’s family knows how much he will be missed by my family. I will miss our monthly long phone calls, John loved to talk. He is now with Juanita and at peace. Love, Judy Naaman
Love, Judy, Scott, Mark and Gregg Naaman purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of John Phillip Bayless.
Tom & Rose Bayless purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of John Phillip Bayless.
John was indeed a true friend. He & Al (Ric) were friends from way back in Columbus . When Shirley (Big O) came into the picture, John took her under his wing. When we married, John was our Best Man 63 years ago. Through the years we all kept in touch and visited each other when we could. Although we ended up in different parts of the country, Juanita, John, Shirley & Al continued the friendship. John was extremely proud of his children (Heather & John) and of all of his grandchildren! He spoke of all of you in our periodic phone conversations. We will miss those phone calls but know that John is now reunited with Juanita. He missed her so very much. We are sending heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Much Love, Shirley & Al Raquet
Sweet Tranquility Basket was purchased for the family of John Phillip Bayless.
Heartfelt Sympathy to Tom and Rose and John’s Family.
David and Karen Mitchell & Family
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The extended family will be in our prayers at Baker Memorial UMC in Saint Charles Illinois. No doubt John made many memories here as a youth leader in the 1970s, and John, Beth, Katie, and Brooke you are cherished members of our faith family today. Peace to you all – Pastors Mary Zajac and Kim Neace
To the Bayless family. I remember when John and Tom lived across from me on Central Avenue. How c sad we were for them to move away. They moved to Mooseheart I knew Juanita through school and her family shopping at our grocery store. Tom I’m sure you remember all the fun we had in the old neighborhood. Carole Henry Burton