A native of North Carolina, Bob graduated from Seaboard High School (’45) and after high school, he served 3 years in Korea for the US Army. He then attended East Carolina University where he earned a BA in Social Studies with a minor in Math (’52) while serving in the ROTC.
After completing his BA degree, Bob joined the US Air Force, retiring in 1970 with the rank of Major after 17 years of service. He was an F-84 pilot with the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing under Strategic Air Command, a KC-135 pilot with the 42nd Air Refueling Squadron, and a Forward Air Controller with the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron (’68 & ’69) in both Vietnam and Thailand.
His actions as a FAC in Vietnam earned him numerous commendations including an Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery during an aerial fight near Chu Lai.
Bob embarked on his second career as an educator with an MA in Education from Inter American University of Puerto Rico (’68).
Upon retirement from the military, Bob taught math (8th-12th grades) in both public and private schools in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.
He served as Assistant Principal at St. Theresa’s Catholic School in Albany, GA and Headmaster at Northeast Academy in Lasker, NC.
In addition, he served as the Director of Education at the Caledonia Correctional Institution in North Carolina.
Not only was Bob a pilot and educator, but also a dedicated son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.
His dedication and love for family brought him the greatest joy. While away, he faithfully wrote to his mother and father (Nannie L. and Robert Bass, Sr.).
He was raised with a sister (Ruth E. Downing of Fayetteville, NC) and 2 brothers (Russell L. and Waylon T. Bass) on a working farm wherein he picked cotton, grew peanuts and learned the rewards of hard work.
His love for the farm and the land brought him back to Northampton County. He helped many family members, but rarely accepted credit for his generosity. He was a stern disciplinarian, but had a quick and dry wit that often caught one off guard. A sharp card player he could shoot the moon, beat most people at cribbage and enjoyed calling “black is trump.”
He loved working outside in his garden and was able to take down an oak single handedly and with precision. Above all, he continually demonstrated his caring and love for family. He was a patient and loving husband to Roberta L. Bass and a loving and fiercely protective father to Robert D. Bass, III and Dr. Anna L. Bass (partner Dr. Linda Morrison and daughters Elizabeth and Erin, Kennebunk, ME). Seeing his grandson, Robert D. Bass, IV (Atlanta, GA), grow up brought him great joy and pride as did his “adopted grandsons”, Kyle B. Holmes (wife Nikki and son Barrett, Fayetteville, NC) and Laurence D. Holmes (Fayetteville, NC). In addition to family members mentioned above,
Bob is survived by his amazing nieces and their husbands: Denise and Larry Holmes (Fayetteville, NC), Jennifer and Pat Bolton (Wilmington, NC), Lori and Scott Robertson (Suwanee, GA); his amazing nephews and their wives: David and Patti Bass (Franklin, VA), Gary and Gail Bass (Leland, NC), Robert and Lynda Bass (Leland, NC), Larry and Renee Downing (Durham, NC), D. Lon and Ann Downing (Wilmington, NC), and Stephen Mullins (Columbia, SC). In addition, numerous great nieces and nephews are scattered across the eastern United States. Finally, extended family members such as Sister Joseph Leo (New York) and Evangeline Pomerleau (Portland, ME) brought much love and support to Bob over the years.
We are all better for having known him and will always carry him in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please donate either time or money to your local Lion’s Club (or other service organization) or to a hospice organization in your area.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 13, at 11am at the Seaboard Cemetery, Seaboard, NC followed by a reception at the Seaboard Baptist Church Community Hall.
