Kenneth Bayliss

Kenneth Frederick Bayliss died February 12, 2016 in Hendersonville, TN, his home of 32 years, surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1930 at Mercy Hospital, Urbana, Ken was a graduate of Champaign High School class of 1948. Immediately following graduation, Ken enlisted in the United States Army where he excelled. A Paratrooper and an Army Ranger he served a combat year in Korea. A man who believed in our inalienable rights, Ken cast his first ballot in 1952 from a foxhole and never missed a vote the remainder of his life. Returning to Champaign he attended the University of Illinois before beginning a lifelong career in the emerging communication/data industry with Illinois Bell Telephone in Danville, Springfield and Rockford, IL. His career continued with Southern Bell and South Central Bell in Florida and Louisiana, before retiring from AT&T.

Predeceased by his parents Alva B. and Madge H. Murphey Bayliss, his son Steven E. Bayliss and daughter Barbara Ann Bayliss Nicholson, Ken leaves behind his companion and wife of 37 years, Carol, his sister Betty J. Bayliss, Champaign, IL, his son Michael A. Bayliss and daughter-in-law Kathy Mercer Bayliss, Norman, OK, granddaughters Audrey K. Bayliss and Katherine M. Luebbers-Jones, and their mother Jody Harmes, all of Oklahoma City, OK, stepson Jeffery 'Harper' Miller, Nashville, TN and close family friend Wilma Cox, Champaign, IL.

Ken's intelligence, razor sharp wit, laser blue eyes and engaging personality leave lasting memories. His charm allowed him to make lifelong friends throughout the country. Retired 30 years, Ken and Carol traveled extensively, always taking the slowest route to explore, photograph extant railroad depots, visit rail museums and ride as many steam engines as possible. They traveled all of America's coastline photographing lighthouses. Additionally, Ken biked many rails-to-trails but Virginia's Norfolk & Western's Creeper Trail carved a special place in his heart. Among his multiple talents were landscaping and small building projects.

Honoring Ken's wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the many places he loved. Friends are encouraged to celebrate him by donating to their favorite charity and by lifting a glass to a life well lived