Robert "Bob" W. Bass, Sr. died during the morning of July 11, 2011. He passed away one month after his wife of 64 years.

Mr. Bass is survived by his sons, Robert and Carter; three granddaughters, Tina and her husband, Gene, Tami, Ali and her husband, Jimmy; great-granddaughters, Trista, Tanna and Aubri. Also surviving are his sister, Carol Doss and her husband, Monroe; brother, Winston and his wife, Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Nelan; nieces, Connie, Lori and Cindy, and nephews, Marcus and Brent, all of Durham, N.C. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margie; sister, Theresa; brother, Mike; and nephew, Henry.

Mr. Bass was born in Columbia, S.C., December 17, 1924, but he and his mother moved shortly after his birth to Durham where he was raised and started his family. He moved from Durham to Columbia with his family in 1958 and resided there for 53 years. He was a member of St. Andrews Baptist Church and enjoyed coaching in the youth leagues and the church. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Tar Heels. He loved playing and watching golf. On the morning of June 6, 1941 (D-Day), Mr. Bass was wounded on Omaha Beach and awarded a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty." He was a humble member of the "greatest generation." His love, compassion and devotion to his family were his greatest virtues.

Navy Cross Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in Presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner's Mate Second Class Robert Willis Bass (NSN: 0-8298294) United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of a Naval Combat Demolition Unit of the 7th Beach Battalion, during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Gunner's Mate Second Class Bass and his crew, although subjected to heavy artillery, machine gun and rifle fire, succeeded in blowing a fifty-yard gap through the beach obstacles. As a result of enemy fire seven of the twelve-man crew were killed or wounded and a large share of the extra work fell on Bass who performed the duties coolly and capably without regard to personal safety. Upon completion of the mission Gunner's Mate Bass further exposed himself to enemy fire and was wounded himself while carrying injured crew mates to safety. His display of courage and devotion to duty on this occasion reflects the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.