Edward Herman Bays

LONGVIEW — God called home the "Best of the Best" on Monday, August 22, 2011. Mr. Edward Herman Bays went peacefully to be with the Lord, with his loving wife and his children surrounding him.
Edward H. "Ed" or "Eddie" Bays was born July 4, 1941, in Marshall, Texas. He grew up in Marshall and enjoyed playing sports and listening to baseball games and Old Time Radio shows on his radio. He attended Marshall High School, where he was voted "Most Polite," and graduated in 1959. After high school, he attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor's of service in business. While in college he was a charter member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, where he served as President.
In 1966, Ed married the love of his life, Glenda Salem Bays. They celebrated their 45th anniversary on July 16, 2011. Together, they lived in Houston, Texas, Bakersfield, California, Denver, Colorado, and Dallas, Texas, before settling in Longview in 1973. During their marriage, they had two children, Stuart Bradley and Jennifer Salem. He was a compassionate, gentle, dedicated and loving husband and father, grandfather and friend. He was often referred to as a "sweet man" and a "great guy."
Ed worked as a self-employed oil and gas landman and was licensed as a Realtor. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder. He taught Sunday School Classes, worked with the Junior and Senior High Youth Groups and served on numerous committees. Ed also served as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian in Bakersfield, California, and St. Andrew Presbyterian in Longview.
His hobbies included playing golf, fly-fishing, and he loved to listen to "books on tape." Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh, he enjoyed spending time with friends and his family. Ed especially cherished time spent with his grandsons. He delighted in watching them play sports, taking family vacations or just playing with them at home. His family meant everything to him, and he was truly a wonderful "PaPa."
He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna Buckner Albright and Joel Hugh Bays; sister, Frances Lenora Bays; and his brothers, Joel Jr. and Roy Dean Bays.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Salem Bays; son, Brad Bays and wife, Stacey, of Tyler; daughter, Jennifer Bays Ulrich and husband, Seth, of Cypress, Texas; grandchildren, Joseph Britton and Jamison Brooks Bays, and Cooper Edward and Truman John Ulrich; and sister, Mary Baird Dolive and husband, Wayne Dolive. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church, Longview, Texas, under the direction of Rader Funeral Home. The Rev. Jonathan Jehorek will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2011, at Rader Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be his longtime friends, Merritt Johnson and Bill Ferguson; brothers-in-law, Perry Staton and Wayne Dolive; son-in-law, Seth Ulrich; and nephew, Bill Baird. Honorary pallbearer is longtime friend, Sidney Allen.
A very special gratitude goes to the staff of Heart'sWay Hospice, J.D. Medical Supplies and The Med Shop for their wonderful and caring services.
Memorial contributions in honor of Mr. Edward H. Bays may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Longview Memorial or to Heart'sWay Hospice of Longview.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com