Michael "Mike" Clay Bass

Michael Clay Bass, 74, died peacefully at home in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on May 5, 2021. Mike was born in Greenville, Alabama on August 26, 1946, to Mary Frances Lee and Aaron Franklin Bass, Jr. Mike spent his childhood, alongside beloved big brothers Ronald and Larry Bass, in Montgomery, Alabama. After graduating from Huntington College, Mike began work for Marriot, enjoying life abroad in London, Frankfurt, and Guam. A move to the Krystal Company in 1979 brought Mike and family to Chattanooga. At Krystal, Mike served as vice president of administration, and as “Doctor of Steamology” and “purveyor of the pickle.” Upon his retirement in 2012, Mike was inducted into the Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame.

Mike created joy and mischief everywhere he went. He enjoyed thirty years of membership at the Chattanooga Yacht Club, serving on both the bridge and the board. Mike loved boating if someone else bought the fuel but sitting on the back of his boat, the Sharon Jean, looking out at the water was where many of his favorite afternoons were spent. Mike played tennis several times a week with his longtime tennis buddies at the CYC, as well as at the Racquet Club, Manker Patten, and Sandestin, Florida. His adventures on the court were endless, and in Mike’s mind, he was the tennis champion of the universe. No one, except perhaps Nick Saban, was a more avid fan of Alabama football than Mike, and his rendition of “Roll Tide” sets the standard to which all ’Bama fans aspire.

Mike had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world—whether it was the beaches of St. Simon’s Island, the fields of the English countryside, the mountains of Vermont or the birds of his own backyard.

Mike was a generous, loving and patient father, and devoted son, brother, husband and grandfather. As much as Mike loved to laugh and joke, he would just as often surprise loved ones with acts of thoughtfulness. If you needed him, he was there without question, and he accepted you as you were without judgment.

Mike was diagnosed with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1997. His humor and strength, along with the support of family and friends, helped him outsmart and outlast the disease for more than 20 years. Mike was blessed with a tireless team of physicians including Dr. Larry Schlabach; Dr. Matthew McKinney and Dr. Anne Beaven and the team at Duke University Medical Center; and Dr. Nathan Chamberlain and the nephrology team at Chattanooga Kidney Center of Ooltewah/Collegedale.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Kay Jean Bass, and children, Erin O’Connell, Carey Bass (Luther Tenny), Katie Keel and Joe Keel (Jen Keel), and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Bass and Jenny Bass. He leaves behind grandchildren Joey Mailloux, Amelia Tenny, Shelby Tenny, Caysen Keel and Tye Keel. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and nephew, Eric Bass.

A memorial service will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, on Monday, May 10, at 3:00 pm Family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until time of service Monday. A burial service will be held on Wednesday, May 12, at 2:00 pm CST at Union Cemetery in Georgiana, Alabama.

Please share your memories of Mike with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8414 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.