Comments on: Remembering ‘Mr. Miner,’ Jerry Bayless

By: Jim H. Moore

Jim H. Moore — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:43:39 +0000

I am a Mechanical and Civil Engineer who met Jerry Bayless in approximately 1964 in the Civil Engineering program. Jerry was a fine teacher and loved what he did.

My computer won’t print anything past the first page. I would like to have the whole article if possible.

Jim H. Moore, ME, CE P.E. in LA, NC, MS, OH (dropped 2 Western States)
109 Sweet Tart Lane
Apex, North Carolina 27502

By: Thomas R. Gredell

Thomas R. Gredell — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:27:54 +0000

Dr. Bayless was one of a handful of professors that influenced my career. But he was one of the first. As my freshman year advisor, he was the first professor that I got to know. He was always friendly and did not make you feel uncomfortable or intimidated as a young freshman. He was always there in the Civil Engineering Department and always had a smile on his face. After I graduated, I was amazed that he seemed to remember me when I ran into him, even though I was one of ‘ten thousand’ students he had taught.

My condolences to his family and especially his daughter, whom I met when my oldest son was 18 and considering going to MS&T. Unfortunately for me, he chose a different school and did not study engineering, but alas he has a successful career going and a great family.

By: Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 13:22:07 +0000

Jerry was a key advisor to the Student Council when I was president. He was always careful to advise on the side and it was always wise to listen to him. He was a tremendous advocate for students and for student development. I am sorry for his passing and hope his family celebrates him well.

By: Willard T. Sudduth

Willard T. Sudduth — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 03:51:00 +0000

When I had Professor Bayless, I was carrying a very heavy class load of 20 or 21 hours because with ROTC, I needed over 160 hours to graduate and I wanted to finish in four years plus a summer semester. While Professor Bayless was an excellent instructor, he was also a tough one. By mid-term I could see I was not going to make it with all my other classwork. So I decided to drop his course but I was smart enough to continue to audit it for the rest of the semester and took copious notes.

I took that course the following semester but had a different instructor who was not quite as good. Thanks to my notes, I got though the class doing much better than I would have if I had not taken all those notes. I have Professor Jerry Bayless to thank for getting me through that class which I was able to do at the Class of ’66 Reunion.

By: Robert Hanlon

Robert Hanlon — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:19:05 +0000

Jerry Bayless is single-handedly responsible for removing the barriers and giving me a second chance at an academic career at Rolla, five years after 19-year-old me failed spectacularly. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude; without him, I would not have the life I now enjoy. Godspeed, guardian angel.

By: Thomas M Petry

Thomas M Petry — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:58:19 +0000

Thomas Petry, class of 67 and professor emeritus of S&T: I think I remember Jerry Bayless from when I was s student, 1962-67, was pleased to have interacted with him at Chi Epsilon activities along the years, but, most of all as I became Department Chair in 1995 and continued as a professor until 2007. Jerry was always one you could count on to be supportive of students and the department. His integrity was unquestionable and his leadership, although not wanting to be at the forefront, always an example for all of us. I know that we all will miss him, but know that he is being Mr. Miner where he is. Thanks, Jerry, for all the many ways you supported our students and all of us Miners.

By: THOMAS KEITH PARKS

THOMAS KEITH PARKS — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:55:58 +0000

Saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry Bayless. Professor Bayless became my adviser and mentor at the right time in my Sophomore year when I needed that extra motivation and push to see my education through. I am honored to have known him and that he was part of my education at Rolla.
RIP and Well Done Professor Bayless!

By: Bob Stevens

Bob Stevens — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:04:50 +0000

Professor Bayless certainly left a wide swath of great impact on campus. He was a Miner blessing.