Mr. Donald Ray “Duck” Bays, 59, of Barbourville passed away Saturday morning, February 1, 2025 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was the son of the late Billy C. and Billie Joe Smith Bays born January 26, 1966 in Cincinnati, OH.
Donald was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family and friends, most of all his grandchildren, Ellis and Natalie Ray. He also enjoyed being outdoors ginseng hunting and fishing. He loved to cheer on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team and attended River Baptist Church. Donald took pride in being a constant source of support, laughter and love for all who knew him.
On June 16, 1995 he united in marriage with Betty Collett in Barbourville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Gary Wayne Bays and brother-in-law, Larry Smith.
Survivors include his loving wife, Betty Bays of Barbourville; daughter, Donielle Crawford and husband, Brian, of Barbourville; sisters, Brenda Sue Herring of Barbourville, Gail Smith of North Judson, IN, Debbie Carnes and husband, Wilbur, of Barbourville, Beverly Mayer of Barbourville and Rosanna Bays Wilson of Ardmore, Alabama; brothers, Ronnie Bays and wife, Yuko, of Okinawa, Japan and Ricky Bays of Barbourville; cherished grandchildren, Ellis Brian Crawford and Natalie Ray Crawford; nephews, Michael Bays, John Bays, Adam Bays, Paul Bays, Chris Carnes, Sean Smith, Brandon Wilson and Billy Mayer; nieces, Natasha Carnes, Tessa Barrett, Paige Barrett, Haley Bays and Shannon Smith; numerous other beloved nieces and nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Wednesday, February 5 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Mike Helton officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Bays Cemetery.
Serving as casket bearers will be Christopher Carnes, Wilbur Carnes, Michael Bays, Paul Bays, John Bays, Jared Jones, Michael Bays Jr., Matt Taylor and Junior Bargo. Honorary casket bearers will be Billy Mayer, Brandon Wilson and Adam Bays.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday between 5 and 7 P.M. and Wednesday prior to the funeral hour.
Gifts of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to Shiner’s Hospital for Children.
The family would like to thank the Knox County Dispatch, Knox County Ambulance Service and the medical staff of the Barbourville ARH Hospital for the excellent care they provided to Donald.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of DONALD BAYS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
