Rear Adm. Bayless is a native of Victoria, Texas. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and received his commission in June 1979. He was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1981.

He was forward deployed from NAS Jacksonville, FL to NS Rota, Spain and NAS Keflavik, Iceland from 1981 to 1984 flying the P-3 Orion with Patrol Squadron (VP) -16 "War Eagles" and then served as a Flight Instructor and Flight Leader with Training Squadron (VT) - 27 at NAS Corpus Christi, TX from 1985-1986.

Transitioning to the Navy Reserve in 1986, he flew with multiple Reserve Force Squadrons (RESFORON) in the P-3 community to include Patrol Squadron (VP) -91, at Moffett Field, CA, Patrol Squadron (VP) - 93 at Selfridge ANGB, MI , and Patrol Squadron (VP) - 68 at Andrews AFB. He assumed command of the largest reserve aviation squadron, Patrol Squadron (VP) - 66 "Liberty Bells" at NASJRB Willow Grove, PA in 1995-1996. The squadron won the first ever range competition for International ASW Excellence during his tenure as well as the Chief of Naval Operations’ Safety "S" Award.

Bayless went on to command three more reserve units in the grade of Commander and Captain. Tactical Support Center (TSC)-0513 supporting the Sigonella anti-submarine warfare operations center (ASWOC) from 1997 to 1998 and Battle Group Staff 8 embarked USS Eisenhower (CVN- 69) from 1999 to 2001 from Forest Park, IL. He then assumed command of commander, Naval Forces, Europe (COMNAVEUR JTF) - 413 from 2001 to 2002 at Selfridge ANGB, MI. Recalled to active duty in March of 2002, Bayless was assigned as deputy commander, Task Force (TF) - 57. at NAVCENT/5th Fleet, Bahrain where he led a diverse Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation (MPRA) wing operation from the Persian Gulf during ENDURING FREEDOM in direct support of the global war on terrorism. He developed MPA ISR CONOPS for hostilities against Iraq while managing 30 coalition aircraft representing US, UK, Canadian, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, and Australian Forces based from 7 different locations

Bayless's initial flag assignment was closely aligned with the US Coast Guard at Atlantic Area headquarters (LANTAREA) in Norfolk, VA. as deputy commander, Maritime Defense Zone (MARDEZ) Atlantic and Pacific 2003 -2005. During this tour, Bayless assumed the duties as commander, US Harbor Defense Forces Western Pacific 2003–2005 where he led Harbor Defense Command Task Group (TG) - 778.4 from Seoul, South Korea for contingency operations in the Korean Theatre of Operations (KTO). At Great Lakes, IL 2006-2007, he was recalled to active duty as commander, Navy Region Midwest (NRMW). The region was responsible for base operational support of 41 Navy facilities in 16 states. This oversight covered every aspect of construction and maintenance, land management, military exercise coordination, housing and care for sailors and their families, logistics, environmental security, and disaster preparedness. He was again recalled to active duty for his final assignment at the Pentagon in 2008 as deputy chief, Navy Reserve (OPNAV 095B) where he retired in October 2009.

Personal military awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), and Meritorious Service Medal (4) along with other personal, unit and service commendations. He is a graduate of the Aviation Safety and Command Safety Course, Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA and completed executive level business programs at Babson College in Wellesley, MA, the Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill, NC and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Rear Admiral Bayless was a consultant to the aerospace and defense industry,

having previously led business development efforts across those sectors. He has served in a board capacity for several companies and organizations to include the United States Navy Memorial Foundation in Wash DC, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, the Center of Strategic and Diplomatic Studies at the University of South Florida as well as a director for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Last Updated: 25 August 2023