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- Birmingham News, Alabama, Saturday, January 8, 2005
Samuel Jonathan Bass Jr.
With thanksgiving and sorrow, the Bass family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Samuel Jonathan Bass, Jr. He died the afternoon of Thursday, January 6, 2005 at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City.
Born on May 23, 1927 in his great-grandfather's home in Trussville, Alabama, "Sam Junior" was the oldest of three children of Lillian Etta Driver Bass and Samuel J. Bass, Sr. He spent his formative years on his grandfather's cotton farm in rural Pickens County, before moving with his parents and younger brothers (Tommy and Jackie) to the Jonesboro Community in Bessemer. In 1944, he left Bessemer High School a year early to join the Merchant Marines and later transferred to active duty in the United States Navy. Seaman Bass saw action in the South Pacific at Leyte Gulf, the Philippines, and Okinawa.
After the war, he returned to Alabama to continue a career in sales for a variety of local companies. Often restless, he returned to the sea and active duty in the United States Navy several times and was most proud of his service in three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
In his later years, Sam earned his military retirement through the United States Army Reserve. He was a former employee of Bill Whiten Datsun and retired after many years of faithful service at Jim Burke Nissan in Birmingham. He was a member of Fairfield Highlands Baptist Church in Midfield. His belly chuckle, broad grin, generous spirit, and quiet way will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Faye Burroughs Bass of Vestavia Hills and two sons, Cary Alan Bass (Kay) of Lake Mary, Florida and Dr. Samuel Jonathan Bass III (Jennifer) of Hoover. He was a loving grandfather of five, Joshua David, Sarah Lynn, Kathleen Elizabeth, Caroline Grace, and Nathaniel Jonathan.
A memorial service will be held at Valhalla Chapel in Midfield on Saturday, January 8, at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Gary Cardwell officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. at the Chapel. Valhalla Funeral Home, Midfield directing.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1927 - 2005 (77 years)