71, of Pinellas Park, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019. Raised in St. Petersburg and graduated from Northeast High School and Florida State University, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Bayless. He is survived by his brother, Randy (Linda) Bayless; his nephew, Brandon Bayless; and cousins, Betty (Jim) Hicks and Ann (Alan) Baker. As a music teacher at 16th Street Junior High and then Gibbs High School for over 35 years, Steve touched the lives of thousands of students. He taught his students to love and appreciate music and theater, with many of them going on to have their own professional music and theater careers. But more importantly, he taught them the values of hard work, confidence, respect, diversity, and caring for others. Steve also directed church choirs at Northeast Presbyterian and Gulfport United Methodist. He served as the President of the Pinellas County Music Educator Association, as a board member of the Florida Theatre Conference and Southeastern Theatre Conference, and most recently as the Executive Director of the Florida Theatre Conference. His dedication to teaching, students, music, and theater earned Steve many awards and much recognition, including Pinellas County Teacher of the Year 1995, Florida Teacher of the Year Finalist 1995, Pinellas County Music Teacher of the Year, SETC Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award, and he was featured in several St. Petersburg Times articles. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Steve Bayless Musical Theatre Scholarship Fund at 5650 Park Blvd. N. #7, Pinellas Park, FL 33781, or by calling Kris (941) 584-0639. Steve's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg. Visit the online guestbook at www.AndersonMcQueen.com.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jun. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Bayless

25 Entries

Jerry and Cindy Bordner

June 24, 2024

You were a friend to both Jerry and I. You sang at our wedding and we will never forget you. You always dedicated your life to your students and friends. You and Mrs. White were truly the Best Teachers and Friends. You are loved and are missed by so many that had the privilege of knowing you. Rest in peace to one of the Greats!

Karen Stephens-Jones

July 12, 2019

He will truly be missed and he had such an impact on so many students over the years at Gibbs. He was always there for everyone choir student or not. We will so miss you and appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm you always generated. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Class of 75'

July 9, 2019

He was a person that made a difference and exposed so many students to a stage presence, music and life. RIP

We Are The World Concert 1985

Dahni Lauoletolo-Wily

July 6, 2019

July 2, 2019

Rest In Peace Mr Bayless, being with you and Ms White for 4 years was the best time I had in High School. You will truly be missed. Class of 81'
Daniel McCall

Jada Green

July 1, 2019

Rest In Peace Mr Bayless. Gibbs High School Forever ❤❤

Benita Newkirk Hodges

July 1, 2019

Mr. Bayless was amazing. I absolutely loved him and Ms. White while I was at Gibbs High School. The Class of 1989 coming into our first year was great and we had no idea chorus classes would be so fun. Each year I came back to Florida I would make it a point to always stop in at Gibbs to see him. Mr. Bayless made such an impact on his students and I appreciate everything he taught me. Rest in Peace Mr. Bayless and I know you're singing in the Heavenly Choir.

Maurice Nott

July 1, 2019

I knew Steve and his parents as he was growing up and he was in one of my classes when he was a teenager. He was a fine person and had a great singing voice. His father Ralph had a great influence in my life and sang when Lois and I were married. Steve had a great reputation as a fine person and a great teacher. I know he will be greatly missed.

Jack and Laureen (Mather) Woods

July 1, 2019

Sorry we are unable to attend. We are in North Carolina. We have nothing but fond memories of your parents, you, and Stephen. We are thinking of you.

Love and Prayers,

Jack and Laureen (Mather) Woods

JKH/JW

July 1, 2019

My sincerest condolences to the Bayless Family for the loss of your loved one, Stephen, "B", and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.

Debra (Garone) Turner

July 1, 2019

Steve was a great teacher to all his students. I had the pleasure of knowing him through my brother and my mom. Lot's of stage shows at Gibbs.
Now he's singing on a higher stage.

Jerry & Cindy Bordner

June 30, 2019

Mr.B sang at mine and Jerrys wedding. He was a wonderful friend. We were very proud that both our children had the pleasure of knowing Mr. b also. We are extremely sadden by his passing. Everyone that knew him, loved him. He always treated everyone with kindness and shared his beautiful smile. You will truly be missed. We love you Mr. B. Our Condolences to his family.i

June 30, 2019

My Condolences! As you reflect on the fond memories of Stephen, may the words at Ps 37:29 bring you some comfort during this difficult time.

Brooke Todsen- Bayless

June 30, 2019

Steve was a very kind, giving and loving person. He always had something nice to say and encouragement to give to everyone. He was the best uncle to Brandon that anyone could have asked for. My condolences to Randy, Linda and Brandon. He's singing with the angels now. God bless.

Bruce Clark

June 30, 2019

Mr. B was one of those teachers who connected with every student. He was my chorus teacher in the 70's and those were some of my fondest memories of high school. We all looked forward to spending time with him. He will be missed...

Don Reigle

June 30, 2019

Mr. B. I was very saddened to hear about your passing. I will always remember you for being there for each and everyone of us. When we cried you cried when we laughed you laughed. Your door was always open for us and you would always take the time to sit with us individually if he had any problems. You would scold us when we needed it but you always would stand by us no matter what. You made singing and acting a lot of fun. I want to thank you for everything you did for me because you made me the person I am today. And that I can never repay for your kindness and understanding. I love you and will miss you. Keep singing.

Terry Potts-Scofield

June 30, 2019

You were truly loved and will surely be missed. You were my music teacher from 1971-1974. These were some of the best days of my life. Rest In Peace.

Phil Daugherty

June 30, 2019

Randy, so sorry to read of Steve's passing. He was a great music teacher. I enjoyed the time I took my students on field trips to Gibbs to see his students performances. I never saw a bad program. You could tell how much his students thought of Steve.

May God be with you, Linda, and Brandon during this difficult times.

Sincerely,

Phil Daugherty

June Lane

June 30, 2019

Mr Bayless was my daughter's music teacher along with Mrs White in the 80s. He was so devoted to all of his students, teaching the devotion, love and pride in all they did. Pinellas county lost a devoted teacher but God received a wonderful angel. God bless you Steve.

Margaret (Maggie) Mercado

June 30, 2019

One of the best teachers the Pinellas County School Board ever hired. Most of my best memories of high school are of events, trips, and classes with Mr. B.. You were most definitely loved and you most definitely will be missed. You will never be forgotten.

Michael and Patty Pounders

June 30, 2019

You were loved and will be missed. We are grateful for the wonderful happy high school memories that you created for us. They are in our hearts forever.

Valerie

June 30, 2019

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and students of Mr. B. He was always a kind man, who truly cared about every student he taught. I remember so many chats with him and how often he'd tell me...smile, dance and sing...let go of the rest, as it stops you from being the full potential of who you are. Nearly 20 years later, I still apply those words. Thank you Mr. B, for always caring, always being there and for making a difference in my life (and so many others). You will be missed greatly!

Nancy Phalen-Lafleur

June 30, 2019

You made a lasting impact on my life, taught me to be strong, independant and respectful to everyone I meet, you will forever be in my heart with out you I dont think I would have made it through high school...you are gone but never forgotten

Kay Claypoole-Lyons

June 30, 2019

Mr. B was the very best of everything....he was a wonderful choral teacher who showed love too all his students. I was taught by him from 1974 to 1977...he instilled in me the importance of doing my very best vocally...I still can not believe he is gone...but he can be my teacher in heaven...rest in peace Mr.. B..love Kay Claypoole-Lypns

June 30, 2019

Words cannot express the impact Mr. B had on my life. I was a shy young girl that he encouraged to sing. He helped me come out of my little intraverted shell and was right there everyday helping so many of us create beautiful high school memories. I always loved you Mr B and appreciated everything you did as not only a teacher but a mentor and friend. You will be missed but one day we will all sing again together in that Great Big Choir in the sky. Until then...all my love and thanks!!!
Susan "Penny" Ellis (class of '77)

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