John M. H. Bayliss Jr.

John M. H. Bayliss Jr., 85, of Hurricane, West Virginia, passed away early Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026, at his home after a period of declining health. Born on July 16, 1940, in St. Albans, West Virginia, he was the son of the late John M. H. Bayliss Sr. and Clarice Smith Bayliss. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joy Cooksey, and his brother, Jim Bayliss.

After attending Hurricane High School, John served four years in the United States Air Force. He went on to become a Master Electrician and later served as CEO of Bayliss and Ramey Electrical Contractors until his retirement. An accomplished powerlifter, he held a 1990 world record deadlift of 551 pounds and was an APF World Master Champion in 1987, 1988, and 1990. In 1992, he placed first as an APF National Master in the 50-54 age group at 181 pounds. He was also a longtime member of the Kanawha Valley Corvette Club.

John is survived by his loving wife, Susan McCracken Bayliss; his son, John M. H. Bayliss III of Hurricane; his sister, Jill Whitworth of Gulf Port, Florida; his stepson, Chuck Mason of Cape Coral, Florida; his stepdaughter, Susan Shrader of Nitro; two grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren. He and Susan enjoyed winters in Ormond Beach, Florida, and summers in Hurricane. John cherished warm, sunny days spent on his porch and time at Almost Havana Cigar Lounge.