01/28/2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bays family, especially Teressa, Becky, Scott and Coy as they mourn the passing of their beloved husband and brother, Fred. Fred served with distinction on the Foundation Board for two terms. He was a proud alumnus of the Class of 1986, and will be remembered for the bountiful tailgating, a standard by which all other tailagtes are measured. RIP, dear friend of UVA Wise!
Obituary of Fred Bays
Fred Bays, beloved husband, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026, at 9:50 a.m., passing peacefully at Duke Medical Pavilion, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in 1958 in Norton, Virginia, and lived a life marked by faith, service, and deep devotion to those he loved.
Fred was the devoted husband of Teressa Bays, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. He was a loving and faithful partner who always put his wife first in every situation, leading their life together with steadfast love, loyalty, and care.
He was a graduate of J.J. Kelly High School, Class of 1976, and continued his education at UVA Wise (then Clinch Valley College), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. Fred later received his MBA from the Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary, graduating in 1989.
Fred spent many years working in the healthcare industry and was also the owner and operator of three convenient stores in Wise County, Virginia. A true entrepreneur, he worked hard not only to build businesses, but to build relationships and serve his community.
A lifelong lover of sports, Fred was deeply influenced by his father, a respected high school football and basketball coach. Fred was an avid and competitive tennis player in high school and college and remained passionate about athletics throughout his life. Fred had a special love for UVA Wise Athletics, finding joy in watching young people achieve their dreams through sports. He proudly served two terms on the UVA Wise Foundation Board from 2012 to 2020.
Fred was well known for his legendary football tailgates, where his greatest joy came from serving others and ensuring everyone felt welcomed and cared for. His servant’s heart, generosity, and genuine concern for others defined him. An excellent cook, Fred loved sharing meals as another way to show love and hospitality.
He was preceded in death by his father, W.G. Bays; his mother, Kathleen Cordelia Lawson Bays; and his brothers, W.G. Bays Jr., Robert Bays, and O.J. Bays, brother in law, Robert Massie (Becky’s husband), sister in law, Beth Bays (Coy’s wife).
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Teressa Bays; his sister, Becky Bays; his brothers, Coy Bays, and Scott Bays (wife Marsha); and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
Fred will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service, kindness, and love will continue. He would want others to honor his life by continuing his work—serving others and meeting the needs of those around them.
Celebration of Life Service for Fred Bays
Friday, January 30 at 10:30 AM
Cross Culture at Leesville Road
6211 Leesville Road, Durham, NC 27703
A separate service will be held in Wise Virginia at a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Culture Church of Leesville Road. http://www.crossculture.church/give
or UVA Wise Athletics.
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/19444/donations/new
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