David Kelly Bass

David Kelly Bass, 49, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and team mate, died Monday, May 28, 2012 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held at Wright & Ferguson on the Parkway on Wednesday, May 30 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. The celebration of his life will take place at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, MS on Thursday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service on Thursday.

Born in Jackson, MS on December 17, 1962, David was the youngest of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Knighton Bass. As the baby, David was the recipient of much love and attention from his older siblings, never outgrowing his “Baby Brother” status. David attended the Jackson Public Schools, including Brinkley Jr. High, where he quarterbacked the football team to the City Championship and was voted Mr. Brinkley. David was a talented athlete, excelling on the football field as well as on the baseball diamond. At Callaway High School he quarterbacked the Chargers to the Capital Big 8 Championship and led the Charger Baseball team to win the State Championship in 1981. David was voted All-State Baseball Player of the year in 1980 and 1981. He was named to the 1981 State All-Star Team where he was voted the MVP. In 1981, David was named All-State Athlete for his outstanding accomplishments.

After graduating from high school, David signed a baseball scholarship with the University of MS where he continued to display his outstanding athletic ability for the Rebel baseball team. At UM, David was named to the SEC All-Academic Team; was 7th in all-time stolen bases; was a 4-year letterman, and member of the M Club. David is also a member of the MS Semi-Pro Hall of Fame.

One of David’s proudest moments as an adult was the birth of his son Christian on the evening of December 25, 1995. These two shared a special bond whether they were playing ball, shooting fireworks on the Fourth of July or engaging in some sort of hilarity and mischief. David’s sense of humor and quick wit were trademarks of his personality that resulted in many “David stories and sayings”. He always entertained the family at Christmas with his rendition of the “Baby Elephant Walk” adding a different twist each year. Many hilarious stories have been shared with us by a special band of brothers who have spent many hours with us during these last few weeks. Scottie, Judd, Mitch, Johnny, Joe, Junior, Michael and Charles…You guys held a special place in his heart and will forever hold a special place in ours.

Waiting to greet David in heaven are his parents, Kelly and Mary Rowland Bass. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Tee and children Christian and Candice and grandchildren Gavin and Brady. David will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Johnny and Judy Bass Miller, Bill and Susan Bass Rigby, Steven and Zina Bass and their children.

David worked for Zurich International for many years where he faithfully served his clients in the southern part of the state. David and his family were members of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, MS.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of MS Foundation/Baseball, P. O. Box 249, University, MS 38677