WILMINGTON — Johnson Lee Bass, 91, went to his heavenly home Thursday, June 27, 2019. He died peacefully at his residence after several years of declining health.
He was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Seagate, the son of the late James Lee Bass and Bettie Faison Sandlin Bass. Also remembered is his wife of 57 years, Cherry Nell Grooms Bass; son-in-law, Fred Smith; six brothers, James, G.P., Duvall, Percy, Norwood and Norman; and sister, Catherine Bass Cooper, who preceded him in death.
Surviving are three children, Betty Bass Taylor, and her husband, Steve, of Kannapolis, Joyce Bass Smith of Wilmington and Barbara Bass Curtis, and her husband, James, of Belleville, Illinois; five grandchildren, Matt Litaker, Casey Litaker, and his wife, Christina, Jenna Lee Smith, Jamie Curtis Murphy and Jacob Curtis, and his wife, Melanie; four great-grandchildren, Jordan Anderson, Alice and James Curtis and Barbara Grace Murphy; one brother, Alton Bass; and sister-in-law, Alma Bass Wishon.
Lee was veteran of the U.S. Army, having served from Dec. 18, 1945, to July 19, 1947. After an honorable discharge, he returned home to marry Cherry, the love of his life. They moved to Charlotte, where they raised their daughters, worked, loved and lived for 50 years. Upon retiring, Lee and Cherry moved to Wilmington.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 5, at Andrews Valley Chapel on College Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice. The family acknowledges, with grateful appreciation, the care and compassion Lee received from the hospice staff.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
