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- The Daily Record, Dunn, North Carolina, Saturday, 26 September 2026
Nelson Wright Bass
Nelson Wright Bass, 77, affectionately known by friends as "Katfish" or "Kat," of Rancho Cordova, California, formerly of Lillington, passed away on Sept. 22, 2026.
Nelson was born on March 5, 1949, to the late O.W. "Shorty" Bass and Verta Bishop Bass. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald Bass Sr.
Nelson was a 1967 graduate of Lillington High School. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve the country he loved. Following basic training, he was stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California, where he began his military career and made the Sacramento area his permanent home.
His military career spanned 33 years, and Nelson was recognized with numerous military honors, including Air Force Achievement Medal, Airman of the Year, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award with five devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, all reflecting a remarkable lifetime commitment to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve.
In 2008, he was permanently retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. He later retired from the United States Postal Service, where he continued his career of service.
Nelson is survived by his brother, Donald Bass of Dunn; his sister, Deborah Bass Moore (James) of Erwin; three nieces; one nephew; two great-nieces; and five great-nephews. He is also survived by his aunt, Lois Bishop Buck of Hialeah, Florida, who was very special to him, as well as many beloved cousins and extended family members. He had friends who were like family to him, both in California and in Thailand, who will also miss him deeply.
Nelson will be remembered by his family and friends for his joy for life, his adventurous spirit, his love for the Lord, his service to his country, and the special place he held in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Devotional Gardens in Dunn, officiated by Nelson's nephew, the Rev. Steven Tart.
Services are entrusted to Skinner & Smith Funeral Home in Dunn.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1949 - 2026 (77 years)
d. 20 Oct 1989, Harnett County, North Carolina