Joseph Weldon Bass

Mr. Joseph Weldon Bass was called to his Heavenly home on Monday, March 5, 2017 being 83 years of age. He was born on October 3, 1934 in Cumberland County, North Carolina to the late Charlie Addison Bass and Maggie Lockamy Bass. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Fulton Bass; and a daughter-in-law: Sylvia Bass.

Weldon was a country boy, one who didn't change with the times; he was a simple man. He was quiet natured but when he said something you knew he meant it. His word meant a lot to him and he always kept it, he believed in being honest. He was a very godly man and it was rare for him to miss church. He was a very active member in his church, Trinity Lakeshore Pentecostal-Holiness Church, whether it was greeting members at the door or doing labor that needed to be done, he was more than willing. Weldon made sure that anyone who wanted to go to church was able, if they had no transportation he would take it upon himself to take them to church with him. He also enjoyed visiting the nursing home and the sick. He believed in treating people the way that you would want to be treated. He went beyond that though, he lived to serve others. It was not uncommon to hear of him taking trips and having extras along for the ride. Young people who didn't have the privilege to go and see the things he got to experience, such as the beach and the mountains, he wanted them to be able to have that opportunity, so he made it happen. He enjoyed going to Southport and Mt. Airy. His sons can recall going to mountains and picking apples with their father, although he went for the view alone not the apples, as he was a outdoorsman with a love for nature. He was an excellent woodworker; he loved to make things and had made several items to give to each of his children and grandchildren. His children's fondest memories of their father are exploring the woods and going to the river as kids and being with him in church, seeing him come in the church door carrying his old brown Bible. They knew that they could go to Daddy with problems and he wouldn't judge them, he wouldn't tell them what choices to make, but he'd be there to listen to them when they needed him and let them make their own decision. He truly loved his family and spending time with them; making no difference in any of them, he was a fair man, he would do for all of them what he did for one. He loved to laugh, sometimes at the expense of others, especially his kids and telemarketers; he loved playing pranks and jokes on them. His son Ronald was going on a date one night when he was younger and Weldon manipulated his car so that when he picked up his lady the car would smoke and he'd be embarrassed while Daddy got a good laugh. He also made a portable chicken pen that he hauled around with a sign attached that said "Keep on clucking'." He entered his chickens in the local fair and won blue ribbons with them. He enjoyed the small and sometimes insignificant parts of life.

On December 29, 1956 he married the love of his life Rossie. They had gone to school together. The two had a good marriage, they knew one another so well that they didn't have to speak to know what the other thought. Their children and grandchildren learned from them and desired what they had. They stated that Weldon and Rossie taught them how to treat and love their spouses and if they had only but a quarter of the love in their marriage, they would be happy. Weldon also enjoyed gardening, he loved garden food and fried pork chops. His favorite color was blue and his favorite TV show was Andy Griffith. Weldon Bass is proof a simple man, one who grew up with very little could become a man who would have a large impact on the lives of others. He will be remembered in adoration, his kind and humble spirit will continue in the lives of those closest to him, who he paved the path to follow for.

Left to cherish the precious memories of a life well lived are the following members of his family: His loving wife who stood by him selflessly for 61 years: Mrs. Rossie Bass of Eason Road in Wade; Two sons: Ronald Bass of Plainview; Donald Bass and wife Elizabeth of Eastover; One daughter: Faye Bass of Godwin; Three grandchildren: Jason Bass and wife Renee, Allen Bass and wife Amber and Phillip Bass; Four great grandchildren: Dylan Bass, Savannah Bass, "Little" Weldon Bass and Morgan Wilson and husband Justin.

Friends are cordially invited to gather for a time of visitation with the family at the Cromartie - Miller Funeral home on Wednesday, March 7th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and at other times at their home.

A funeral service to commemorate the life of Joseph Weldon Bass will be conducted on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Cromartie-Miller Funeral home with the Rev. Chris Brown officiating. Special music will be offered by Darren Hughes. Burial will follow at the Mount Zion Church Cemetery in Godwin with Joey Knoll, David Knoll, Ben Knoll, Eric Knoll, Gene Lockamy, and Robert Broome. Phil Moore and H.W. Tyler will serve as honorary pallbearers.

All Arrangements are entrusted to the Cromartie - Miller Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.cromartiemiller.com