William Joseph Bass, 77, of Spring Hope, passed away on  September 11, 2013.
Joe was born in Nash County to the late Simon and Annie Bass.  He was preceded in death by: his daughter, Brenda Bass; brothers,  Hubert Parker and Simon Bass; sister, Tempie Lewis and daughter-in-law, Susan Matthews Bass.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Wood Bass; son, Glenn  Bass of Spring Hope; son, Rip Bass (Angie) of Spring Hope; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Sam Bass (Ruth) of  Ontario, Canada and R.L. Bass of Nashville; sisters, Mildred Wester  of Rocky Mount, Lucille Boykin of Lewisville, Frances Shearin  (Larry) of Rocky Mount and Judy Turner of Rocky Mount; and a host of  other nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service in his honor was held on Friday, September  13, 2013  at  Cornerstone Funeral Home in Nashville, with Reverend Norris Cook  and Larry Shearin presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Christian  Ministries, 110 South Ash Street, Spring Hope, NC 27882.