Bayes Elwood Wilson
Dr. Bayes Elwood Wilson, 93, of Salem, Virginia, died on Friday, January 10, 2025.
He was born on December 16, 1931, on the Wilson family farm at Swords Creek, Russell County, Virginia. His parents were Bert and Jettie Wells Wilson. He was a graduate of Swords Creek, Honaker High, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. He liked to refer to himself as a Hokie —Who. He was a Korean War veteran having served in the US Air Force in Japan and Korea as a Staff Sergeant and Acting First Sergeant. He was proud of his military service. He was a member of Post 3 of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, past president of the Salem Kiwanis Club, Roanoke Civil War Roundtable, Board of Directors of Snyder Nursing Home, Board of Directors of Lewis Gale Hospital, and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Salem, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1956, he was a teacher at William Byrd High School, Business Manager of the Roanoke County School system, first Principal of the new Salem High School, and Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools. Bayes wanted the best for his students and had great appreciation and respect for the teachers, parents, and all the different staff members. He served 38 years in the Roanoke County School system, retiring in 1994.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Ella (Tiny) Gordon Wyrick Wilson (formerly of Marion, Virginia); sister, Joyce Dye; and brothers-in-law, Jim Dye and Don Thompson.
He is survived by sons, David Wilson and wife, Kimberly Wilson, and John Wilson and partner, Dr. Dianna Curtis; grandchildren, Charles Wilson and wife, Tina Wilson, Ashleigh Wilson and husband, Joey Gonzalez, Alex Wilson and partner, Veronica Di Bella, Samantha Wilson and partner, Der'ron Divers; great-grandson, Damien Wilson; sister, Nancy Young and husband, Bruce Young; sister-in-law, Evelyn Thompson; niece, Donna Link; as well as many other nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the care and service given by all the providers involved with Bayes's care recently and over the years including those at the Park at Oak Grove, Heartland Hospice, Salem Veteran's Hospital, Dr. Stephen Phillips, Dr. Eric Womendorf, and Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Periods of visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, also in Salem. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Dr. Bayes E. Wilson Scholarship Fund of the Roanoke County Schools Education Foundation at 5937 Cove Road, Roanoke Virginia 24019. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
