Donald Leigh Bays, 86 of  Bedford, VA passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at  Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  He was born on Saturday, December 16, 1939  in Bedford, VA, a son of the late Hill Goodman Bays  and Elizabeth Bays . He worked at Rubatex in Bedford In the pressroom as a printer and he drove a school bus for Bedford County Schools.  He was a farmer and avid hunter.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Jack Bays; his children, Robin Bays Pittman (Randy), Jeff Bays (Julie), Jeff Jackson (Alisa), Paul Jackson (Debbie), Donsan Clark (Josh); grandchildren, April Pittman,  Candice Mullins, Lauren Doyle (Brandon), Adam Bays, Joshua Jackson (Lydia), Crystal Jackson, Kaiden Clark, Ellie Jo Clark, Charlie Clark; great-grandchildren, Zachery Miller, Titus Jackson, Marcus Jackson,  Savannah Doyle, Penelope Doyle; and a sister, Edrie Bays.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church with  Dr. Daniel Smith officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am prior to the service.

 Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.