Michael Thomas Bass

Mike Bass, 75, died peacefully at his home in Gulf Breeze, Florida on December 6, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Jane; his four wonderful children, Blakely (Hock Kee Yeo) and Page of San Francisco, California; Hanson of Gulf Breeze; Curtiss of Melbourne, Florida; one special grandson Wei-On Yeo, of San Francisco, and his brother Alan Bass (Barbara) of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mike was born in La Grange, Georgia on May 31, 1946 and grew up in Anniston, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Lee Bass and Marian Hooper Bass and his brother David Hooper Bass.

From 1974 – 2021, Mike lived and worked in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, where he was a respected public servant and business leader. He served multiple terms as a Pensacola City Councilman and one year as Mayor Pro Tem. In 1990, President George Bush nominated Mike and the U.S. Senate confirmed his appointment to serve on the board of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Mike also served for two years on the Board of the Santa Rosa Island Authority, and was elected to two terms of office on the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, serving as the Board’s chairman for two years.

Mike was a member of numerous civic boards and organizations, including the Pensacola Museum of Art, where he served twice as the interim Executive Director. As a leader in business, Mike was an officer and owner of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, and other Pepsi organizations, for ten years. After selling the business in 1984, Mike continued an active career in consulting, real estate, and development.

Staying active was a major focus of Mike’s life. He began running in 1978 and competed in numerous races and marathons around the country. Weight lifting and conditioning were also a priority for Mike. He salutes his many running buddies and Ena McKenzie, his trainer for over 20 years.

Mike graduated from Anniston High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham Southern College, and a master’s degree from Auburn University. An avid reader and believer in education, Mike also studied at several other universities.

` In addition to family, Mike loved Auburn football, his dogs, travel, and growing citrus, which he generously shared with others. He will be remembered as a great father, loving husband, and one who gave to his community. He lived life to the fullest and enriched the lives of so many.

The family wishes to thank Covenant Hospice for their skilled and loving care over the last few months.

In memory of Mike, the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of Art, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, located at 33 East Gregory Street, Pensacola, Florida on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm with visitation prior to the service at 1:00 pm.