David Bayless

David Bayless, 99, of Pikeville, Tennessee, died Monday, December 13, 2021.

He was a 1942 Bledsoe County High School graduate. He received a BS in Agriculture and Master’s Degree in Child Psychology from Tennessee Tech. He was a WWII Navy veteran.

Throughout his lifetime, he was a mechanic, teacher, coach, principal, Bledsoe County School Superintendent and a farmer.  He was a member of Mt. Crest United Methodist Church, the Retired Teachers Association, the Cattleman’s Association, Ruritan Club, a Boy Scout leader, the Mt. Crest Volunteer Fire Dept. and Bledsoe Co. Coon Hunters Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Jean Colston Bayless; parents, Richard H. Bayless and Mary J. Moore Bayless; brother, Henry H. Bayless; sisters, Berthalee (Carl) DeBord, Alma (Richard) Layne, Juanita (Rudy) Williamson and Amanda (Mike) Greeson; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Keyt.

He is survived by his children, Patricia J. (Bruce) Maddox, Joe D. (Judy) Bayless, Robin H. (Lori) Bayless, Bruce A. (Judy) Bayless and Dana R. (Beverly) Bayless; grandchildren, Amy, Rena, Steven, Brandon, Jonathan, Michael, Joe II (Melissa), Jason (Pam), Robby (Molly), Kendra (Will), Brian (Kassie), Joseph, Colston (Megan) and Kendall; great-grandchildren, John, James Mills, Emiliee, Carson, Journee, Landon, Skyler, Peyton, Allie, Caleb, James Bayless, Brayden, Auburn, Haeli, Avery, Kyndall, Taylor, Ezra, Blakely and Bridge; sister, Marion Keyt; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family.

Services was held Friday, December 17, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Greg Bartley, Rev. Bruce Bayless and Rev. Darvin Oakes officiating. Burial was in Beach Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville.