Lawrence "Jay" William Bayer Jr.

Lawrence W. Bayer, Jr. passed away on July, 17th, 2026 in Huntsville Hospital from complications related to his treatment for cancer. Nicknamed Jay, he was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 28, 1960 to Lawrence and Rose Mary Bayer. Jay and his family moved throughout his father’s military career and he was able to visit and live in many memorable places throughout the United States. He was a college graduate, was employed by several companies in his career including GSI, InfoPro, and Indyne Corporation. He enjoyed his work, especially in later years as a Security Program Manager, working with governmental contractors and was awarded for his commitment and dedication to his work over the years. Jay moved to Arab in 1984, and married his wife of 41 years, Tracie Louise Sorcic Bayer in 1985. He was very proud of his sons and their accomplishments in life, including their military service, their wives, and adored his grandchildren. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Guntersville, Alabama where he lived his faith, supported its growth for over 40 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #12618 as a proud Fourth Degree Knight. After retiring in 2024, he enjoyed working in his woodworking shop, babysitting his grandchildren, working in his yard, and being with his dogs, Tye and Harley. Jay loved God, his community, his family, and friends. Jay is survived by his wife, Tracie Louise Sorcic Bayer, his sons Seth Bayer (Abby) and Evan Bayer (Alicia), and his grandchildren, Sadie Clare Bayer and Daniel Jude Bayer. He is also survived by his parents, Lawrence and Rose Mary Bayer, his siblings, Craig Bayer (Theresa), Steven Bayer (Kelley), Janine Ballesteros (Dave), and Eileen Bayer (Glenn), Brother-In-Law, Michael Sorcic (Teresa) and Sister-In-Law, Stephanie Atchley, with a host of nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by Baby Bayer, maternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Charles Hopper, and his paternal grandparents, Ellen and William Bayer, his Aunt, Kay McArthur, Uncles Tommy Hopper and Kenneth Hopper, cousins Sherri Hopper, Darrell Baucom, and William Lincoln. Chosen Pallbearers: Seth Bayer, Evan Bayer, Craig Bayer, Steven Bayer, Dave Ballesteros, and Michael Sorcic. Chosen Honorary Pallbearers: Nephews Tim Bayer, Joseph Bayer, Darren Ballesteros, Tyler Ballesteros, Cody Martin, Ethan Atchley, and Hunter Owens, and his K of C/Fourth Degree Knight friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations be made in Jay’s name to the following organizations that were close to his heart: The Knights of Columbus Council #12618 at St. William Catholic Church, St. Judes Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers. We thank you for this consideration.

Lawrence "Jay" William Bayer Jr.

March 28, 1960 - July 17, 2026