Will Royce Baylis

Will Royce Baylis, 79, of Lorain, formerly of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.

He was born on March 12, 1940 in Ripley, Mississippi to his loving parents, Barney and Wilda (nee Griffin) Baylis. Will was born the 5th child of 11 children to his parents and their 1st son.

He was an exceptional student, graduating at the top of his high school class. Will was a mathematics wiz and  graduated from Rust College with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics. He was a gifted basketball player and he received a full scholarship to Rust College to play football. Following college he married, Carrie Mae (nee Spruell) on March 24, 1965. Will was a math teacher and a high school girls’ basketball coach in Mississippi before moving to Cleveland with his wife and daughter. He worked briefly at Ford. Eventually, he would settle in at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District starting off working swing shift at the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant. As an employee at the Sewer district, he was a mentor and leader to numerous employees, helping to shape and mold their careers. 32 years later, he retired as Director of Plant Operations and Maintenance. His personality and candid sense of humor drew people in. He could get along with people from all walks of life. Will so loved his grandkids, spending time with them, making them meals, talking with them and giving them sage old advice.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie M. (nee Spruell) Baylis; daughter, Javelyn (Jason) Evans; son, Terry (Lisa) Baylis; 5 granddaughters; 8 siblings; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Wilda; and two sisters.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at House of Praise International Church, 4321 Elyria Ave., Lorain, OH 44055 from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM, Pastor Gilbert Silva, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maryssa’s Mission Foundation by using www.maryssasmission.org or by calling 1-877-Maryssa. Arrangements by Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, Lorain, OH.   

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