The youngest of five boys, he was born on a farm in Limestone County, TX, to Velma Laura (Hendrick) and Virgil Parks Bayless, Sr., on April 12, 1934. An athletic and able young man, he was named “Most Versatile Boy” in his senior class and graduated with high honors from Trinidad High School (1951), Trinity Valley Junior College and Lamar University (Bachelor of Science, 1956). In 1955, he married his hometown sweetheart, Wilda Garrett, to whom he would remain married until his death for nearly sixty-nine years. Moving to Houston soon afterward, the pair began active careers and in time bore and raised two very beloved children, a son, Jeff, and daughter, Gina. In 1986, Jack retired as a Senior Research Engineer from Exxon Production Research Company, where he last served as a drilling consultant traveling in a worldwide capacity. In 1990, he obtained a patent for a rotary engine he invented, and another for a new oil recovery method he co-invented. Several other patents were also obtained while he was employed at Exxon.
“Pa” Jack greatly enjoyed his retirement years in which he would sing in the choir and attend services at Encourager Church, take the granddaughters to Galveston, socialize with his Kroger coffee group, putter around the yard, relocate squirrels, and fix just about anything around the house (and sometimes other people’s houses) that needed fixing.
He is survived by his loving family, who were the loves of his life: his wife, Wilda Bayless; their children Jeff Bayless (Amy) and Gina Gunn (David); granddaughters Katie Bayless, Paisley Way (Ryan), Kristen Gunn and Allison Kaiser (Kurt); great-grandson Brooks Way; sister-in-law Joyce McLaughlin Bayless (Fred) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and four elder brothers, Virgil Bayless (Jean), Pete Bayless (Eve), Jim Bayless (Anita) and Fred Bayless (Joyce).
A Celebration of Life will be held at Encourager Church (10950 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 77043) on May 10, 2024, at 4 pm with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the Encourager Church family and some special friends and neighbors for the many years of support and encouragement, as well as Three Oaks Hospice for the exceptional care Jack received in his last two months. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Encourager Church or a charity of your choice.
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