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- Ellis D. Jones Funeral & Cremation Service
William B. Bass ?Ben?
October 30, 1931 ? December 14, 2025
William Benson ?Ben? Bass was born on October 30, 1931, in Rougemont, North Carolina, to the late Ora Lee Bullock. He was lovingly raised by his devoted stepfather, Jonah ?PopPete? Bullock, and received his early education at Rougemont School. William Benson ?Ben? Bass entered eternal rest on December 14, 2025. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his legacy of faith and song will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
At the age of 17, Ben discovered his gift for singing, a passion that would become a defining part of his life and ministry. His voice and dedication to gospel music touched countless lives for more than six decades.
In September 25, 1952, Ben was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Gracie Turrentine Bass. From this blessed union, three children were born: John Michael, Janice Marie, and Pamela Annette. Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gracie Bass, and his daughter, Janice Bass Burton.
In addition to his love for music, Ben was an accomplished baseball player and later dedicated many years to coaching the Rougemont Rockets baseball team, positively influencing young athletes in his community.
Before beginning his professional career, Ben worked on various farms in Rougemont and Bahama. He later became employed at Duke University, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in December 1996.
Ben had a deep passion for spreading the Gospel through song. He was a founding member of the Red Mountain Male Chorus, serving faithfully for an incredible 67 years. In 2020, he was honored as an Emeritus Member upon his retirement from the chorus. He was also one of the surviving members of the Original True Lights of Bahama Quartet, singing with the group for 67 years.
Outside of music, Ben enjoyed hunting, yard work, and cutting wood. He was known for his quiet strength, steady faith, and unwavering commitment to family, church, and community.
He was also preceded in death by his siblings: David ?Monk? Parker, John ?Chum? Bass, Mary Helen Parrish, and Leroy ?Boot? Bass.
Ben leaves to cherish his loving memory his son, John Michael Bass, and daughter-in-love, Hallie Mangum Bass; his daughter, Pamela Annette Bass; son-in-law, Dorsey "Jimmy" Burton; five grandchildren: Felicia Deloatch (Ivan), Shannon Tilley (Lamont), Chadwick Bass, Justin Burton, and Jamien Burton; and three great-grandchildren: Imari Deloatch, Isaiah Deloatch, and Austyn Tilley. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Polly Bass, Nellia Nicholson, Alberta Trent, and Shirley Cole; his godson, Willie ?BoBo? Marrow (Margie); his goddaughter, Carolyn Hamlet; and four generations of nieces and nephews.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1931 - 2025 (94 years)