Comments:
Her husband’s obit.
Dr. Garland Erastus Bayliss passed away peacefully on May 25, 2015 at Hospice Brazos Valley Inpatient Facility. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday May 30 at First United Methodist Church, 1506 28th Street, Bryan, Texas, with a reception following in the Recreation Center. The family will receive visitors for viewing from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Friday at Hillier Funeral Home, 2301 E. 29th Street, Bryan, Texas.
Garland was born on August 27, 1924, in McGee, Arkansas to Fred Edwin Bayliss and Florence Eugenia Bayliss. Garland, who was known as Erastus until he entered 1st grade and decided that as a young man he would now be known only as Garland, graduated from McGee High School in 1942 and enrolled in The University of Arkansas. After enrolling in the Navy, he went on to receive training at University Arkansas Monticello and in New York City. He served two years on the General J.H. McRae Naval Transport Ship until World War II ended in 1945. He continued to faithfully serve our country through the Naval Reserves until his retirement in 1972 as Lieutenant Commander. After the war, he returned to the University of Arkansas where he completed his degree in Biology. In 1947 he began his career as a Biology teacher in Dermott, Arkansas until he was convinced by his brother James of the many opportunities that Dupont offered in Orange, Texas.
The family is forever grateful to Uncle James and happy that Garland followed his advice as that is where he met the beautiful, elegant young lady named Mary Evelyn Futrell, a Medical Technologist at the Orange Hospital. They fell madly in love after meeting on a double date at the beach and were married on May 5, 1950. Shortly thereafter, Garland decided to continue his education at the University of Texas to pursue his Master's and Doctorate in History. Prior to finishing his Doctorate, he received an offer to teach at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He and Mary decided to accept the position and relocate as she was pregnant with their first son David. In 1957, he accepted a job offer at Texas A&M University where he began his decorated 35 year career teaching US History, Constitutional and Reconstruction until his retirement in 1986 as Professor Emeritus. He continued to teach part-time until 1992. In addition to being a History Professor, he also served as Director of the General Studies Program and Director of Academic Services from 1978 to 1986, and was the founder of the A&M Mentors Program. In 1978, he received the Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award which is one of many awards and achievements bestowed on him throughout his academic career. In 1968 he took a short hiatus from his career at Texas A&M to return to the University of Texas to finish his Doctorate Degree. Garland was extremely active at First United Methodist Church spending countless years teaching Sunday school and, Chairman of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. He was extremely proud of the role he played as Chair of the Building Committee charged with the construction of the Christian Life Center. Garland loved Texas A&M sports, attending various athletic events at the University, spending time at their Lake Limestone home and most importantly loved wearing his Aggie gear as he traveled the world with Mary Evelyn. He was a devoted Aggie, extremely social and spread Aggie pride throughout the world on his travels.
Garland was well known for his support of many local charities. He knew no strangers and needed no introductions or reason to engage with others allowing him to be a very effective fundraiser for various organizations. He was very active in the Bryan Rotary Club where he served as President 1987-88 and received many awards. He was especially proud to be inducted into the Rotary "Roll of Fame" in 1994. He was extremely passionate about the Personal Energy Transportation ("P.E.T.") Project sponsored by First United Methodist Church and spoke often of the benefits and importance of fundraising for this project. He was an active supporter of the Brazos Valley Arts Council, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and many other organizations that sought his help or services. Many people in the local community will remember his kindness and his love of socializing. If he wasn't working on a charity project or catching up with old friends over a cup of coffee, you would most likely catch him driving around town talking to locals and taking donuts, kolaches and other treats to various friends and local businesses. He kept himself busy and got up every morning hoping to make someone smile. Despite all of his professional and personal achievements, he will be best remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many.
Garland leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Evelyn Bayliss and three children; David Elliot Bayliss of Panama, Mark Edward Bayliss and daughter-in-law Diana Bayliss of College Station, J. Fred Bayliss and daughter-in-law Michele Bayliss of College Station. Eight grandchildren; Madison Lee Rhoades of Houston, Lauren Elizabeth George of Austin, James Garland Bayliss of College Station, Emily Elise Bayliss of Austin, Brooke Evelyn Bayliss of College Station, Trent Bayliss of Panama, Bryan Edward Bayliss of College Station, Blake Ethan Bayliss of College Station and one great-granddaughter, Annabelle George of Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to Hospice Brazos Valley, Rotary Foundation or First United Methodist Church P.E.T fund.
Published The Eagle May 28, 2015
