He graduated from L. Frazier Banks High School in 1970 where he met his bride, Kathy, of 53 years. He attended Auburn University and graduated in 1976 from Southern Technical Institute, Marietta, Georgia, now a part of Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
He was a registered professional engineer in four states - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.
He grew up in South Roebuck Baptist Church and was a member of Burns Road Baptist Church in Lilburn, Georgia and then Huffman Baptist Church and Shades Crest Baptist Church in Alabama. He “sang” in the BRBC, HBC, SCBC sanctuary choirs; the Mountainaires at SCBC; and helped Edith and Bob Collins teach fourth graders at SCBC for many years. He was a “junior” member with the Piddlers at SCBC.
He was employed over the years by Pasqualli’s Pizza, Southern Tech Campus Police, Robertshaw Controls; Cone, Hazard, and Nall Engineers; Carrier - Birmingham; and Brown Mechanical Contractors. In retirement, he picked up “side” work with Brown Mechanical/ALC contractors and Edmonds/Dewberry Engineering.
He was a member of the Birmingham chapter of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers). He was a member and past president of the Alabama chapter of ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary, his brother, Randale Bass MD/MPH, and his son Jeffrey Bass.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathryn Bass, his son, David Bass (Megan Getman), his brother, Steven Bass (David vanLing) and numerous cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the following: Community Furniture Bank (219 Distribution Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209); Shades Crest Baptist Church Designate either GENERAL FUND or BUILDING FUND(452 Park Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226).
However, if sending floral arrangements, please have them delivered to the fellowship hall of Shades Crest Baptist Church.
A Graveside service will be held Monday, October 26, 2026 at Forest Hill Cemetery (431 60th St N, Birmingham, AL 35212) at 10 am. A Memorial Service-Fellowship will be held at 1 pm at Shades Crest Baptist Church Fellowship Hall(452 Park Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226).
