Howard J Bayless Jr.

Beloved husband and father, Howard J Bayless Jr, left for his heavenly home on July 9th, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ana Mae Goforth Pizzalato and NJ Bayless. Also his brothers, Charles Bayless and Bobby Bayless, and his great-grandson, Oliver Ryan Butler.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Virginia Mary Bayless; daughters, Amy James (Jesse James), Lorraine “Sunshine” Bayless, and Jennifer Bayless; grandchildren, Morgan Britt Butler (Ronnie Malhotra), Tait Ryan Butler, Sarah Jane Fields, Alexandria Nicole Bayless, and Emily Margaret Bayless; great-grandchild, Jack Henry Butler; his brothers, Ronnie Bayless and Randall Bayless; his sister, Trish Jordan (Beau Jordon); and sister-in-law, Ann Bayless.

Howard started his young life on Tybee Island GA and grew up in Tennessee, Chicago, and Glendale Farms in Trussville. He went into the military as soon as he was able. He chose the Navy and he loved the sea. He met Virginia Looft while docked in New York for leave. They fell in love there and began their love story. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama after he finished his 4 years in the Navy where he spent much of his time in the Vietnam War.

Howard spent most of his career working as a boiler-man for ADCO and some other boiler companies. His greatest accomplishments happened on his off time. As a wonderful Dad, he taught his children to ride bikes, swim, mow the grass, drive, etc… He and Virginia always made sure they had some kind of vacation every year and taught them how to have fun. He worked hard so they could go to Catholic school. He loved Jesus and kept his faith. He and Virginia attended St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

He was an especially adoring and devoted husband. He would make his sweetheart coffee every morning and one time surprised her with a brand-new car for Christmas. He always participated in Virginia's trendy new fun things to do like taking disco lessons, hosting Pina colada parties, and later doing puzzles. He adored his wife and she loved him so much. They took good care of each other.

He loved the outdoors, and also fishing, boating, hunting, target shooting, and gardening as well as meeting other veterans. He loved country and oldies music and coin collecting. As a Republican, he had zeal for politics, and always donated to worthy causes.

Howard was a wonderful husband and father who could build or fix anything. Now his family must try to build a bridge of hope and love to fix our broken hearts that miss him so. He dedicated his time and love to his family, and in return, we will honor his memory and try to tend the garden he planted called our family.

A visitation for Howard will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo), 3715 Highway 25, Montevallo, AL 35115. A graveside service will follow at 1:15 PM at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115.