William Bayless

William H. Bayless, "Bill," also known as "Bill the Barber," passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2024, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT. He was born on November 17, 1938, to Frank and Ann Bayless in Elizabethtown, NY.

Bill married the love of his life, Evelyn, on January 5, 1963. Together they raised a wonderful family and spent almost 61 years enjoying their Ford Mustangs, car shows, vacations in Maine, and visits with friends and family.

A beloved barber in the North Country for over 60 years, Bill wasn't just skilled with a pair of scissors-he was a friend to all who walked into the barber shop. From the Plattsburgh Air Force Base to Joe's Barber Shop to Bill's Barber Shop, his barber chair was a place where stories were shared, laughter was heard, and friendships were forged. Bill had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. Over the years customers turned into lifelong friends, stopping by just to visit or meeting up with Bill for a cup of coffee.

Anyone who knew Bill was well aware of his passion for antique cars. Stories of car shows were often shared, particularly memories of Stowe, VT, the Flaming Leaves Festival in Wilmington, NY, and many others in between. These were the places where Bill and Evelyn could be found annually for many years, proudly displaying one of their Mustangs or Bill's cherished 1964 Ford Galaxie.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Ann Bayless; loving wife, Evelyn; children Danny, William, Robin and Alan; sister and brother-in-law Frances and Maurice MacDougal; nephew Craig MacDougal; and a grandson, Alan Jr.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Wally (Milyn); grandchildren Justin (Amanda), Kristen (Matt), Karin (Chris), Heather; great grandchildren Abigail, Catherine, Kaila and Ajay; nieces, Christel (Tom) and Angell (Dan); nephews, Eric and Darin (Angela), and many other nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind friends who became family, Mike & Marsha McCarroll and Shelley Olsen; and beloved pets Artie and Dixie.

A graveside service will be held on August 24, 2024, at the Willsboro Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Wooden Nickel in Lewis, NY.

As Bill always kept a donation jar in the Barber Shop, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill can be made to the North Country SPCA.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick Funeral Home 7521 Court St., Elizabethtown, NY. Online condolences may be left at www.heidrickfuneralhome.com.