Ralph Lee Bass

CSM (Ret) Ralph Lee Bass, of Columbia, SC, passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born in Surgoinsville, Tennessee on December 13, 1929, he was the son of the late William Harper Bass and Captolia Hazel Horne.

He served 30 years in the U.S. Army. He received numerous awards throughout his career and was a member of numerous Military organizations.

He was predeceased by his wife, (Teddie) Arnetus Josephine Barlow Bass, and his son, Parley Applegate, his parents, and all his siblings: Virginia, Ruby, Dorothy, William, and Pleas.

Surviving are his daughter, Sharon (Billy) Lee Bass Paulk; son, Ralph (Susan) Lee Bass, Jr.; grandchildren: Scott (Rhonda) Allen Applegate; Lisa (Robert) Michelle Paulk Podeszwa; Melissa (Jonathan) Ann Paulk Campbell; Crystal (Gioacchino) Ann Bass-Mineo, Craig (Sara) William Bass; great-grandchildren: Alisha, Nicholas, Jacob, Kimberly, Katelyn, Austin, Riley, Jonathan Jr., Abigail, Brooklyn, Samuel, Charlotte, Evelyn; great-great-grandchildren: Clay, Kacey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the health care providers and caregivers for their kindness, compassion, professionalism, and excellent care over the past six years. Also, our gratitude to Dunbar Funeral Home-Northeast and their dedicated staff for the professional, compassionate, and attentive care provided during this difficult time.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, with burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to any Cancer Research Institute or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com