Levita Bayless is the proud mother of two influential media personalities. Her sons, Skip Bayless and Rick Bayless have had successful careers on television, focusing on different categories. While Skip is a sports columnist and commentator, his brother Rick is a chef and restaurateur known for his PBS series Mexico: One Plate at a Time. Levita and her husband owned and operated a restaurant in Oklahoma city where their children worked in their youth. Although Skip didn’t consider it a career path, his brother carried on with the family tradition.
This article will cover more details of Levita Bayless’ sons.
Levita Bayless Bio
Levita Bayless was born Levita Potter Bayless Anderson on 25 October 1926. Levita and her husband, John Bayless, owned and operated The Hickory House, a successful barbecue restaurant. She is considered a pioneer in the local restaurant industry. She was an inspiration to many people and was always friendly. The barbeque legend was also a golf champion, and she raised three children: two sons and a daughter.
Levita found love the second time she met and married Farris “Andy” Anderson, whose work was selling restaurant equipment. However, he died in 2013.
Levita Bayless Career
Levita worked hard to see the establishment of The Hickory House and even procured the loan required to start the business. Besides running the restaurant, Levita served as PTA president at Northwest Classen High School. She closed the restaurant in 1986 and spent time with his son and daughter-in-law, helping them to start their restaurant.
At age 50, Levita was still active, and she took up golf, becoming proficient at it in no time. A jack of every trade, Levita ensured her family ran smoothly, and she struck a balance between business and family. Her great job as a mom is evident in how her children turned out.
Levita Bayless Children
Levita’s daughter LuAnn Tucker is a cancer survivor. She is a national board-certified teacher specializing in special education. In 2007, LuAnne was named Teacher of the Year at Edmond Santa Fe High School.
Levita’s elder son was born John Edward Bayless II. His father, John Sr., began calling him Skip, a name that stuck, and he even legally changed his name to Skip. Although he helped around his parents’ restaurant as a youth, Skip’s interests lay in sports. He was in print journalism and wrote sports features for The Miami Herald. He also worked for The Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald. In March 2021, Bayless signed a four-year 32 million contract with Fox Spots.
Levi’s other son, Rick Bayless, followed in her footsteps as a restaurateur and chef. Born on 23 November 1953, Rick is widely known for his television shows Cooking Mexican and Mexico: One Plate at a Time. He has appeared in reality shows like Iron Chef America in 2015, Top Chef, and Top Chef Masters. The award-winning restaurateur has written several cookbooks he co-authors with Deann and his daughter Lanie.
Wrapping Up
Levita Bayless died a proud mother after raising three children who turned out to be successful and independent individuals.
