Jerry was proud of his roots in Southern WV. After graduating from Sophia High School in 1955 and spending the summer working in 36 inches of coal, his mother drove him to Morgantown. He worked his and his brother Neil’s way though WVU, School of Mines and became a professional Engineer in 1962. He began his working career as the only engineer at a company located in Glen White, WV. In 1980, he was Head Engineer managing 60 engineers.

In 1986, he started Bays, Inc. with his two brothers Neil and Larry. Together they designed coal handling and preparation facilities. Jerry spent over 50 years in the engineering profession and was a member of Society of Mining Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers. In 2021, SME honored Jerry with a 50-year membership pin. He retired at 86 years old.

He always looked forward to going to church, specifically to the Sunday morning bible school class held in the library at the Beckley Presbyterian Church. He met Margaret Ann Sharpenberg, his second wife in this class. Margaret Ann and Jerry were married six weeks later in the chapel of the church 32 years ago.

In the Beckley Presbyterian Church he was a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, served on the property committee, and was instrumental in the organ installation that is housed at this church. He was a member of the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) through the Brooks Family. He was a past member of the Beckley Rotary Club.

He and his wife Margaret Ann established the “Margaret Ann and Jerry L. Bays Scholarship Fund” to provide for students at Independence High School pursuing a career in engineering at WVU. Donations can be made to their fund in Jerry’s memory.