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Robert BAYS Obituary
Robert E. Bays of Atlanta departed this life peacefully on October 6, 2015 at age 94. Born in Bonne Terre, Missouri, he was the son of Reverend J.W. and Bertie Cole Bays. In 1998 he was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Cleis Armour of Fort Scott, Kansas. He is survived by his daughters Deborah Lynn Bays of Denver and Rebecca Ann Bays of Atlanta, and by son-in-law Douglas Gies of Atlanta, and granddaughter Emma Claire Gies of Seattle. His brother, J. William Bays of Kansas City, preceded him in death in 1996.
Dr. Bays earned degrees from Emporia (Kansas) State University, Teachers College - Columbia University, and George Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University). After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he spent his career as a professional musician and university professor/administrator, first at George Peabody College, Nashville, then at the University of Texas at Austin, and finally at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, from which he retired as Director of the School of Music in 1986. He was active for many years as a conductor and French hornist, serving as principal hornist with the Wichita and Nashville Symphony Orchestras.
From 1979 to 1982 Dr. Bays served as president of the National Association of Schools of Music, the national accrediting agency for academic music programs. He was active throughout his career as a consultant to colleges and universities, and to the departments of education of various states. He also served as a member of the Academic Music Panel of the International Communication Agency of the U.S. State Department and as a consultant to the Bureau of Higher Education of the U.S. Office of Education.
H.W. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at
hmpattersonoglethorpe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert BAYS
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
October 3, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."
Susan Keen
May 11, 2016
Under the direction and vision of Dr. Robert Bays, Peabody College opened the "Blair School of Music" for pre-college musicians (now apart of Vanderbilt University). The classes offered there provided unbelievable opportunities for the students-theory classes, music history classes, chamber music, and, of course, private instruction. Upon entering a university on full scholarship, I was far better trained and ready for college level music theory, etc. than most of my classmates. We were very lucky to have been in Nashville during this wonderful time. Susan Robinson Keen
Marion Etzel
October 12, 2015
I was one of the fortunate students who studied music education at the University of Illinois during the tenure of Dr. Bays. May he be forever remembered for all that he did for us, his students.
pat
October 11, 2015
To the Bays family, please accept my condolences.
Barbara & Ronald Hedlund
October 11, 2015
Ronald and I send our condolences to the Bays family. Dr. Bays was a wonderful, supportive colleague at the UI School of Music who will not be forgotten. We are grateful for the difference his many contributions and dedication made in our lives, for students, and faculty.
King family
October 10, 2015
May the God of tender mercy (Psalms 83:18) grant the family peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
S B
October 10, 2015
To the Bays Family:
My sincerest sympathies to your family. Mr. Bays is a testament to Ecc 7:1. May the God of all Comfort sustain your family.
October 7, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of your loved one's death. My prayers and deepest condolences are extended to you. Something that's helped me through the death of loved ones is to reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:26.
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H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
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