Gerald Bass

Gerald Bass, 88, of Wilson, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Funeral, Friday, 11:00 AM at Wilson Memorial Service, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment, with Masonic Rites will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

He was born on October 1, 1937, in Lucama. Gerald was the youngest of nine children born to Isaac and Bessie Bass. 

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller stationed in Korea. Following his military service, he built a long and respected career with Carolina Telephone, where he worked for 36 years.

A faithful member of Springhill Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Lucama Masonic Lodge, Gerald valued faith, service, and community throughout his life.

To know Gerald was to know someone who could make or build almost anything. He had a gift for working with his hands and took great pride in caring for his yard and tending flowers.

Some of his happiest memories were made with family and friends on the water. Gerald loved fishing, boating, and trips to the coast, and he was almost always the one behind the wheel of the boat.

Gerald was known for his wit and his loyalty. He treasured time with his brothers and sisters and found great joy whenever they were all together.

Above all, Gerald cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Clark (Dewey) of Nashville; granddaughter, Blakely Rollins (Jackson) of Bailey; grandson, Nicholas Clark of Wanchese; and great-grandchildren, Levi and Charlotte Rollins, who brought him tremendous joy. He adored Levi and Charlotte and looked forward to every visit. He also dearly loved Josie, the family dachshund, who brought him comfort, companionship, and always put a smile on his face.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Hilda Renfrow Bass; grandson, Zachary Clark; parents, Isaac and Bessie Lucas Bass; sisters, Edna Gladson, Evelyn Pittman, and Joy Sasser; brothers, Dewey, Elwood, A.R., C.B., and Leo Bass.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brekenridge Assisted Living in Rocky Mount for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Gerald.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, 7246 Springfield School Rd, Lucama, NC 27851.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com