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Bill R. Bays

Bill R. Bays, 75, of South Whitley, IN, and having ties to Huntington, IN, died Thursday morning, Aug. 3, 2017, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, in Columbia City.

Mr. Bays attended Pierceton High School. He had worked for Tuthill Corporation, in New Haven; Dana Corporation, in Huntington; Manchester Tool and Die, in North Manchester; and Whitley Products, in Pierceton. He was a tool and die journeyman cardholder for most of his working life. He and his wife farmed 40 acres northwest of South Whitley for more than 50 years, raising both livestock and crops.

He was born June 10, 1942, to Porchman and Pearl Waddle Bays. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sheila Bays.

Additional survivors include two daughters, Tammie Gibson and Tonya Boggs; a sister, Cora Hicks; a brother, Bobby Bays; three grandsons, Travis (Michelle) Boggs, Tyler (Jennifer) Boggs and Joe Gibson; and several great-grandchildren.

A service was held on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial was at the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.