| Notes |
- 1930 Federal Census of Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi (April 2, 1930)
Lang Bass - 30 - Male - AL-MS-MS - Head - Jeweler Retail Store
Mildred - 24 - Female - MS-MS-MS - Wife
Lang Jr. - 3-1/12 - Male - MS-MS-MS - Son
(Married at 25 & 19)
The Sun Herald
January 27, 2019
Dr. William Lang Bass
(Picture included)
1927 - 2019 Long Beach
On January 12th, 2019 at the age of 91, Dr. William Bass moved on to be with God following his wife, Betty's path. The Basses had lived in Long Beach, Mississippi since 1969. Betty died in June of 2017. They are survived by their children, Robert Bass and his wife Valerie of North Carolina, Charles Bass PhD. of South Carolina, Amy Longo and her husband Ted of Diamondhead Mississippi, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bill and Betty both grew up in Laurel, Mississippi, just a few streets away from each other. Despite their proximity in youth, they didn't begin dating until both were in New Orleans. Bill was in medical school at Tulane University and Betty was working for the FBI. Prior to that time, the former Betty Harrell, attended Stephen's College for Women (located where USM Gulf Coast is now). There she learned secretarial skills, etiquette and how to smoke a cigarette as she would say, "Like a movie star". Betty was quite the catch having rained as Mississippi Gulf Oil (with the sash to prove it). Bill told us his charm and knowledge of the best tamales in town sealed the deal with her. He was unable to afford the finer dinning in the city but, worked while in school to pay for their dates. In fact, during the summer of his last year of medical school, he got a job living in the New Orleans jail treating inmates as needed. Yep, room, board and pay! It was there that he treated Charlie Cantrell, part owner of Pat O'Brien's bar. Charlie was in for a minor liquor license issue and had caught a bad cold. He was so grateful for the medical help that he invited Bill and his entire medical fraternity to the bar for free drinks. That might have been as good as getting paid that summer. Bill's undergraduate education was briefly interrupted by WWII. He served in the Navy before returning to Tulane's pre-med program. The Basses began their marriage after medical school with an internship in Fort Worth, Texas, at St. Joseph's Hospital. This is where Betty found herself becoming familiar with the Catholic culture. She remembered vividly tending bar elbow to elbow with the nuns at fund raisers. She said she never knew that nuns could sling cocktails until that experience or even that nuns could drink. After residency in Monroe, Louisiana, where they had their first child, they started general practice life in Laurel, Mississippi. Bill delivered babies, performed surgery and worked the ER while Betty delivered a boy and a girl expanding the family to 3 children. Life took a turn in 1967 when they moved back to New Orleans for a residence in psychiatry. There Bill grew a goatee and learned to smoke a pipe while developing his best Freudian style. He always said, "To be a good psychiatrist one needs a touch of gray hair for the look of wisdom and hemorrhoids for the look of concern". Betty adopted the local ways, by having her kids take a picture with Mr. Bingle rather than that old Santa guy. She put Elmer's gold brick eggs in their Easter baskets and she learned to bring a McKenzie's king cake to school when one of her children "got the baby". 1969 was a move to The Mississippi Coast that was delayed due to the destruction from hurricane Camille. Bill answered the call for volunteers and served in the ER on the weekends in Hancock County, Mississippi, where he gained a world of experience in snake bite treatment. Bill practiced at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Gulfport. He then started a private practice, was on staff at Memorial Hospital and worked part-time at Gulf Coast Mental Health. He served as Chief of Psychiatry at Memorial Hospital in the 70's and 80's, was past president of The Coast Counties Medical Society, Vice-president of The State Medical Society, and on the Board of Directors for CPC Sand Hill Hospital. Dr. Bass cultivated a true love of chicken tenders late in life after the death of his wife. He discovered the delicacy in the hospital cafeteria while visiting Betty in her final days. He marveled that such a food existed and wondered how he had missed this trend. The tender became a true passion fueled by his son-in-law's shared excitement. They could be found tracking down tenders across the coast in search of the best. The conclusion to the search was that there is no bad chicken tender. Dr. Bass was known in his family for having trouble finishing a specific joke without laughing to the point of tears. He could never quite get to the punch line and we all enjoyed the struggle. "Zeke, you were right about that pumpkin pie". Many thanks to the folks who helped Bill in his journey of life, not least of which was Henry Maggio. Henry's counterbalanced personality helped the somewhat reserved Bill Bass learn to express himself. If Bill couldn't say it, Henry certainly could, AND DID. What a wonderful pair they made. Thank you to Dr. Pat Pierce for including him on fishing trips. He was never happier than when he was on the water catching trout. Thank you to Wanda Stevens for her lifelong friendship and love for Betty and our family. Thank you to Catfish Charlie's for always treating The Basses like dear friends. It was a favorite treat made even better by the dearly loved, Stephanie. She knew the specifics, "catfish crisp with no salt" and never touch Betty's hairdo! Thank you to Nancy Howard who shared Bill's tamale love and often took the time to share dinner with Bill after Betty's death. He loved the attention and the person. Also, thanks to Marie Hall who many times took on the responsibility for cornbread and turnip greens that his daughter had no skill in preparing. He was proud to be one of the people who got a hug from Marie. This was a rare thing and he understood that. Thanks to all the friends and family that put in prayers on our behalf and everyone who participated in Bill's 91st birthday event. Your cards and messages were much appreciated and really made him feel loved on what turned out to be his last birthday. Thank you Mike Taylor for not just taking care of the yards but, taking care of the people! Thank you to Southern Care Hospice. Special thanks to Dr. Tilley and his staff for their end of life care for both Bill and Betty, Dr. Quinones and his staff, Dr. Mullen and his front desk person who made every effort to treat him like someone very important. He totally loved seeing her face when he would check in at the front desk and would often whisper, "I think she likes me". No words can express the appreciation for Karen, Janet (AKA Cinderella), Shannon and Donna for their very personal, undivided attention given to Bill in his final months. He developed a true trust in these women who were protective, caring and devoted. We thank you for helping us hand him over to God. As you go about your day, consider Bill's gentle reminder when you feel overwhelmed. "It is far easier to think of things to do than it is to actually do them. Be kind to yourself and don't overload your plate." Also, take a moment to be extra kind to an older person. You have no idea what an impact that can make.
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Bassett Family Association Database
Abt 1927 - 2019 (~ 92 years)