Donald Leigh Bays

Donald Leigh Bays, 86 of Bedford, VA passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born on Saturday, December 16, 1939 in Bedford, VA, a son of the late Hill Goodman Bays and Elizabeth Bays . He worked at Rubatex in Bedford In the pressroom as a printer and he drove a school bus for Bedford County Schools. He was a farmer and avid hunter.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Jack Bays; his children, Robin Bays Pittman (Randy), Jeff Bays (Julie), Jeff Jackson (Alisa), Paul Jackson (Debbie), Donsan Clark (Josh); grandchildren, April Pittman, Candice Mullins, Lauren Doyle (Brandon), Adam Bays, Joshua Jackson (Lydia), Crystal Jackson, Kaiden Clark, Ellie Jo Clark, Charlie Clark; great-grandchildren, Zachery Miller, Titus Jackson, Marcus Jackson, Savannah Doyle, Penelope Doyle; and a sister, Edrie Bays.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am prior to the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.