In Loving Memory of Willie Arlandus "Capt" Baylis

Willie Arlandus Baylis of Mount Vernon, Washington was born to the late Ollie Leroy and Thelda (Price) Baylis on September 1st, 1945.  He was born in Monticello, Mississippi, and later moved with the family to Biloxi, then Gulfport, Mississippi.  It was in Gulfport that Willie joined Shiloh Baptist Church under Pastor Ruben Magee.  Willie loved music and was often asked, by Pastor Magee to play the piano during church services.  He, along with his brother Lucious Baylis, and his friends eventually formed a small band and played around the community when requested.

Willie attended North Gulfport Elementary & High School.  During his time at the school, he joined the football team.  Willie was thought of as such a leader that he was named Captain of that team.  This of course is where he got the nickname "Capt".  From then on, throughout his life, his old school friends fondly referred to him as "Capt".

At the young age of 21, Willie entered the United States Army in 1967.  As an Infantryman he was deployed to Vietnam where he earned several medals; the highest being the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone.  After the Army, he returned home to Gulfport, MS, then eventually moved to Washington State in the 1970s.  He lived in multiple cities of Washington but ultimately Mount Vernon became Willie's home and is where he lived the remainder of his life.

Willie was a very loving, and caring person that never met a stranger.  He enjoyed having a good time with the family, barbequing with lots of food, laughter, and music.  Willie had a soft spot for children, especially his kids, nieces, and nephews.  He was loved so much and will be forever missed by all.

Willie was proceeded in death by his parents Ollie and Thelda Baylis; his brother Lucious Baylis, and sisters Marilyn Baylis and Cynthia Baylis Wilson.  To Cherish his memory, Willie is survived by his children, Torrance Baylis of Bellingham, WA, and Britnee Baylis of Everett, WA; his brother Larry (Shirley) Baylis of Faribault, MN, his sisters Fay (Curtis) Robinson of Tacoma, WA and Loy (Elmore) Davison of Mobile; his Uncle James and Aunt Linda Kelly of Silver Creek, MS who loved him dearly and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  Willie also leaves behind a very devoted family friend that was never too far whenever needed, Tawnya Jones of Marysville, WA who fondly called him "Uncle".

Willie you gave no one a last farewell, never even said goodbye.  You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.  A million times we will miss you, a million times we will cry, if love alone could have saved you, you would never have died.  This is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.  It is all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home.

Rest in peace dear Willie.  Love your family.

Acknowledgments:  The family of the late Willie A. Baylis would like to express their sincere appreciation for all acts of sympathy and love expressed during this time of bereavement.  Thank you and may God bless you all.