Raymond Charles Bays was born in Campbell County, Tennessee, on June 2, 1940, to Arlo Clement and Minnie Brooks (Williams) Bays. He passed away on March 25, 2022, at his home in Eminence, Missouri.

He was united in marriage to Shelby Jean Jones on March 13, 1958. To this union, three sons were born, Charles, Paul, and Chance.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Shelby Bays; parents, Arlo and Minnie Bays; one son, Paul Bays; one sister, Ruth Anne Hauck; one brother, Robert Lee Bays; and one granddaughter, Jamie Becker.

He is survived by two sons, Charles Bays and wife, Linda, Chance Bays, and wife, Robin; two brothers-in-law, Cosby Jones and Willie Jones and wife, Karen; seven grandchildren, Paul Bays, Jr., Amanda Bays, Nichole Bays, Nora Conner, Dustin Bays, Shelly Bays, and Ronda Coontz; and twenty great-grandchildren.

Raymond's favorite time of the year was the deer, turkey, and fishing seasons. He enjoyed telling hunting stories and big wins from field trails and hunting with dogs. He also enjoyed mingling with locals in town over coffee and always loved children and winning them over with a lasting impression of his joking ways and playful personality. He liked attending local ball games and cheering his granddaughter through most games. He loved deer camp and spending time with friends and family. Raymond loved the country, and his favorite color was blue.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Jerry Piatt officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 6-8:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Flatwoods Cemetery, Eminence, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.