Gerald Wesley "Jerry" Bayless

Gerald Wesley "Jerry" Bayless

Gerald Wesley "Jerry" Bayless died peacefully last Thursday, May 7th, in his Orlando home after a two-and-a-half year battle with throat cancer. He is survived by his cousin and primary caregiver, Marsha Mathews Sherouse, and the numerous other friends and family who were privileged to know him. Jerry was born on September 9, 1943 in Perry, FL to parents Gerald A. Bayless and Bernice Brockman Bayless. He attended Florida State University, and remained an FSU fan all his life. During the Vietnam conflict, he served in the US Army Reserve. In June, 1990, the Center for Public Management at Florida State University conferred on Jerry the title Certified Public Manager. He served 32 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, retiring in 2000 as Director of Administration for Region III, Orlando, FL.

He was married to the love of his life, Karen Zinn Bayless, whom he affectionately called "the redhead" for more than 30 years, until she passed away last year. Even in his darkest moments, Jerry kept his dry sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh. In his final days, he was surrounded by family and lifelong friends, a testament to how much he meant to those who knew him well.

For family, there was a small private graveside service held Saturday, May 16th, at 2:00 pm at Paran Church Cemetery, in Melrose off Highway 100 (between Grandin and Palatka).

Friends and family of Jerry Bayless, are invited to attend and participate in a celebration of his life on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at 2:30 pm in the fellowship hall of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry's honor to the American Cancer Society, the ASPCA, Cornerstone Hospice in Orlando, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1515 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822. Professional Services by Dobbs Funeral Home, 407-578-7720, www.dobbsfuneralhome.com