Jerry W. Bass

Jerry Wayne Bass entered his eternal home in Heaven on Sunday, December 2, 2012. He was born September 23, 1941 in Tulia, Texas, the son of the late Elmer Orlando Bass, Jr. and the late Molly Pauline Vineyard Bass. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, with the Rev. Scott Dickison, Rev. Jody Long, Dr. Otis Andrews, and Rev. Ben Taylor officiating. The family will gather with friends, following the service at First Baptist Church. Burial will be private in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jerry’s youth was spent in Plainview, Texas and he came with his family to live in Macon when he was only seventeen. He graduated from Macon’s Dudley Hughes High School and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Jerry was a natural salesman who loved people and they loved him. He worked for Macy’s in Macon, formerly Davison’s, for more than 30 years. When he retired he was well known all over the Middle Georgia area for his technical know-how and his fantastic customer service. He was a professional photographer and continued that passion into his retirement years. He loved to photograph family and friends and graciously shared his work.

Another passion of Jerry’s was trains and model railroading, “The World’s Greatest Hobby” and he was an active member of the Central Georgia Railroad Club. He spent many hours participating in the club’s activities all over Georgia, including the Georgia State Fair at Central City Park. At that event, Jerry would blow the whistle on the train and the children’s faces would light up with laughter and joy and Jerry would laugh right along with them. He and Gloria traveled around the country visiting tourist railroads and museums.

Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church of Christ for 40 years and was an ordained Deacon. Nothing made Jerry happier than to be in his position as a greeter every Sunday. Children of all ages anxiously waited to hear a “Jerry Joke”. Jerry relished in his ability to make children happy and enthused about attending church.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gloria Jean Bailey Bass, and their son, Dwayne Carlton Bass. Other survivors include brother, James Dwight Bass (Carol) of Corvallis, Oregon; sister, Marcia Bass Rowland (Wayne) of Gray; and brother, Steven Melton Bass of Macon; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and medical staff in Macon, Atlanta, and Birmingham who have cared for Jerry for over 21 years. He had a better quality of life for many years because of these dedicated professionals.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, Macon, Ga. 31201, or Alzheimer’s Association of Central Georgia, 886 Mulberry Street, Macon, Ga, 31201 (www.alz.org/georgia).

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of arrangements.