Henry Stephen Bass, 85, (Steve) of Rockledge, FL passed away peacefully at his residence on January 25, 2021.
Steve was born February 25, 1935, in Stantonsburg, NC and was raised on the family farm one of five children born to the late Julius Preston Bass and Mary Forbes Bass. He followed in his two older brother’s footsteps by proudly serving his country in the US Armed Forces. His oldest brother, Preston (Jr) joined the Navy. The next oldest, Weldon Eugene joined the US Air Force and Steve joined the US Marine Corps. All three of them made careers in the military. Their younger brother Bob, served in the US Navy and the only sister, Peggy married a career Navy man. They were truly a military family.
Steve enlisted in the Marines at the age of 18, and was off to Parris Island, SC to begin his basic training. In the span of his 21-year career, he was able to advance his rank from private all the way to retiring as a Captain. He loved his family, his country, the flag and being a Marine. He served several missions overseas, including in the Vietnam war. Whenever his country called, he answered. As he put it, he signed a blank check for his country when he joined the Marines.
After retiring from the Marines, Steve and his family moved back to their home in Stantonsburg, NC and started his second career in the automotive business. Again, he started at the bottom as a salesman and worked his way up to the position of General Manager. Following his second career he retired to Florida.
Survivors include his sons, Sam Bass and his wife, Marty of Wilson, NC and Bill Bass of Rockledge, FL; daughters, Joan Bass Long and husband Bob of Knightdale, NC and Kathy Bass of Wilson, NC; sister, Peggy Bass Walston of Monks Corner, SC; grandchildren, Emily Bass, Austin Long and Allison Long. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends that loved and respected him.
A graveside service will be held in Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 10AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Veteran’s Charity of the Donor's Choice
Arrangements are in the care of Providence Funeral & Cremation Service 519 Broad St. W. Wilson, NC 27893. Phone: (252) 674-1553
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