Cdr. William F. Bass, Sr., Usn Ret.

CDR. William F. Bass, Sr., USN Ret., 85, of Charleston, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born in the Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois on August 3, 1937, to the late Col. Arthur Charles Bass and the late Lola Mary Yarborough Bass.

Bill graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland, in 1960 with a B.S. Degree in Naval Science. He then attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, and earned a B.S. Degree in Engineering and Electronics in 1966. He later attended the Naval War College and earned an M.S. Degree in International Affairs.

Hard working and determined, Bill devoted himself to 25 years in the United States Navy. He served two tours on the Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 9 in the Gulf of Tunkin, Vietnam from October 1966 to January 1969. He served as the Commanding Officer of the ammunition ship USS Santa Barbara (AE-28) from June 1976 to September 1978. He was the kind of leader who involved himself in rolling up his sleeves and working with his men. This earned him their respect, and the ship became number one on the East Coast. It also earned him the Meritorious Service Award given by the President of the United States.

Bill never wanted to quit work, so he learned Mortgage Banking and devoted 20 years, training his family, and opening his own company “Flagship Mortgage”. After retiring fully from the mortgage banking business and refusing to stop working, he went to work beside his son with Pfaehler Millwork & Supply in construction. He worked 40 or more hours per week for 20 more years. Then, on January 2, 2022, a brain cancer diagnosis forced him into retirement. He fought a gallant battle against glioblastoma for 13 ½ months and his bravery and strength made his family so proud!

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annette Schutt Bass; their four children: Eric Bass (Kellie), Julianne Moore (Joe), Lauren Bass (Steve), and Dora Bullock (Danny); his brother Stanley A. Bass (Sabrina), and Stanley’s 3 sons Steven (Sara), Shannon (Pam) and Scott (Katrina); his sister-in-law, Alicia Schutt, his niece Jeanette Schutt, and his nephew Stephen Schutt (Candace); four grandchildren: Anna Moore, William Moore, Noah Bullock, Aubrey Bullock; and one great-grandchild, Brooklynn Moore.

Bill was loved and respected by not only his entire family and his brothers in arms, but was a great father figure and loving example to all of the many young people and friends alike who crossed his path, and entered his home. God, Family, Country and Friends were his priorities.

His Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 19, 2023, at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 626 Savannah Hwy. The burial will follow at Varnville Cemetery, Second St, in Varnville. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Saturday afternoon at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, John Wesley United Methodist Church or Disabled Veterans.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.