Obituary of Leonard Bays

Leonard Junior Bays, 86, of Huddleston passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at his home. He was born September 7, 1925 in Bedford County to the late Nolan Oliver and Kathleen Creasey Bays. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty five years, Mary Martin Bays. They have seven children: Dennis and wife, Carolyn of Bedford; Danny of Rural Hall, NC; Donnie "Butch" and wife, Cathey of Huddleston; David and wife, Janet of Forest; Basil and and wife, Joy of Bedford; Kathy Bays Weeks and husband, Sid of Altavista; and Clyde and wife, Julie of Huddleston. They also have been blessed with sixteen grandchildren: Debbie Bays Leech, Michael Bays, Darren Bays, Dana Bays Bryson, Perry Bays, Nolan Bays, Brian Bays, Amanda Bays, Ashley Bays, Bradley Bays, Brittany Bays Madson, Taylor Weeks, Sydney Weeks, Landon Bays, Brennon Bays, and Karenna Bays. They also have fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Bays Watson and her husband Richard Anderson and their children Wayne Watson and Karen Craig. Leonard founded and retired from L.J. Bays, Inc. and Bays Trash Removal. He served in the U.S. Army in Panama and was a former chief of the Huddleston Fire Department. He also served as a Bedford County Supervisor. Palestine Baptist Church was his church home where he was a member. He and his wife enjoyed many years travelling with their camping club, the Cardinal Virginians. Farming was his love and he spent much of his life on his John Deere tractor. He was faithfully devoted to his family and his community and will be sadly missed by everyone. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Huddleston Fire Department, 5377 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104, Huddleston Life Saving Crew, P. O. Box 77, Huddleston , VA 24104 or Palestine Baptist Church, 9244 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 2 PM at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with Rev. Jackie Carver officiating. Interment will follow in the Palestine Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4 until 7 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.