Mr. Willard Baylis, 92, died Sunday March 20, 2016, in the Chicago area of Illinois. Local services for Mr. Baylis were held on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the Oak Grove M. B. Church, where Rev. Daniels is the Pastor, with Rev. Michael Evans officiating and Rev. O. D. Evans delivering the eulogy. Interment was in the Oak Grove Church Cemetery, with Laird Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Baylis was the son of the late Estus Baylis, Sr. and the late Irma Bean Baylis of Monticello. At an early age, he joined the Oak Grove Church and remained a member until he moved from Monticello to persue his destiny. Mr. Baylis was educated at the Lawrence County Training School prior to serving in the United States Army during World War II. After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Baylis returned to Monticello, where he met Mattie Wooding, whom he later married in Chicago, IL. To this union two sons were added, one of whom preceded him in death.
Mr. Baylis’ survivors include his wife Mattie Baylis of Chicago; one son, Robert Collins of Chicago, IL two sisters, Essie Mae Bridges and Sarah Jean Lewis, both of Monticello; one brother, Estus Baylis, Jr. of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.