Louis Baioni's Obituary
Louis Baioni, a well-known and respected businessman from Memphis, TN, passed away at the age of 89 on June 3, 2024, in Germantown, TN.
Born on August 28, 1934, in Shaw, MS. Louis was a man celebrated for his generosity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
From the early age of 16, Louis was an accomplished drummer, playing in a band with his brother Terry and friends across various venues in the Delta. It was at one of these venues where he met his beloved wife of 64 years, Sylvia Oltremari. They married in 1955 and moved to Memphis following Louis's graduation with an accounting degree from Delta State University in 1956.
Louis began his career as a CPA at Minor and Moore, where he worked for 13 years. He then spent two years as Executive Vice President at Memphis Aero Corporation before joining Dunavant Enterprises. Over 28 years at Dunavant, Louis held many positions, eventually rising to Executive Vice President and CFO. After retiring from Dunavant in 1999, he was recruited to start The Seam, a company he helped lead in its initial years before stepping down to focus on other business ventures.
Throughout his career, Louis served on numerous boards, including those of Dunavant Enterprises, Cedar Document Technologies, EWR, the YMCA, The First Tee, and the University of Memphis School of Accounting Executive Advisory Board. He also played a significant role at Delta State University, where he was not only a board member but also the president of their Foundation. He notably spearheaded the university's first-ever capital campaign, which aimed to raise $5 million in six years but impressively garnered $5.4 million in just two years. His efforts were recognized with several prestigious accolades, including ‘Outstanding Alumnus of the Year,’ designation as commencement address speaker, and the dedication of a conference center in his honor.
Besides being an accomplished drummer, Louis was also a certified pilot. He enjoyed taking his children on quick flights around Memphis and performing “touch and goes” at the Olive Branch airport. Later in life, he developed a passion for tennis, golf, and hunting trips with business partners and continued to play drums with local bands around town on various occasions.
Louis leaves behind a loving family: his children, Sharon, Paul, and Richard (Beth); his six grandchildren, Dominick, Justin, Lena Dion (Chris), Rachel Haley (Matt), Allison, and Melissa; and four great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his devoted wife, Sylvia, his parents Frank and Rosa, and siblings Terry, Juanita, Catherine, Lizzy, and Delma, Louis is now reunited with them in peace. He also cherished his later years with his companion, Margie Hornor.
A service of remembrance will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis, TN, on Tuesday, June 11 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, the Alzheimer's Association of Memphis, or the Tunica Humane Society to commemorate Louis’s dedication to philanthropy and community service.
Louis Baioni's remarkable legacy of integrity, hard work, and love for his family and community will forever inspire those who knew him.
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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