James Sydney Bass

During a family's time of loss, understandably family and friends would like to visit and express their sympathy. Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services asks that during this difficult time for the safety and well-being of the family, please keep touching and contact to a minimum. We ask if you have visited outside of the USA in the last two weeks or if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms to please wait and visit with the family at a later time. You may contact the family by email, place an online condolence on our website or give the family a phone call. Again, we understand this is a difficult time but we encourage exhibiting safety and courtesy to everyone involved in these services. The mandate from Governor Cooper includes funerals, visitations and all services, so we must limit the attendance until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this unprecedented situation. NASHVILLE - James Sydney Bass, age 83, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 27, 2020. He was born on April 28, 1936, to the late James McPhaul Bass and Anna Ruth Joyner Bass. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Mary Lee Hedgepeth Bass. Stump was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather affectionately known as "Gauggie" to his grandchildren and great-grandson. Stump was born in Beaufort, NC and moved to the Red Oak Community in 1948. He was a member of the Beulah Church of Christ and graduated from Red Oak High School where he was active on their basketball and baseball teams. After graduating from the class of 1956 at Lees-McRae College, he returned to Red Oak and spent his time farming before working at Consolidated Diesel until his retirement. As a veteran of the United States Army, Stump loved his country and was a member of the American Legion post in Nashville, NC. Devoted to his wife, they spent over 45 years traveling and attending NCSU football, basketball and baseball games. A friendly conversationalist, Stump never met a stranger and always had a humorous story to share with others. Literally no matter how far from home he and Mary Lee traveled, they always ran in to someone who knew him. Stump leaves to cherish his memory, children, Karen B Seawell (Jim Glover), Art Bass, John Bass and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Ryan Seawell, Mary Katherine Seawell (Nick DeWolfe), Logan Seawell Briggs and husband Josh, Amber Parker, Hannah, Morgan and John Michael Bass and Jonathan Morris; a great-grandson, Nathan Briggs. His love for his family and friends knew no limits, and his children and grandchildren felt so very fortunate to have experienced his support, wisdom, guidance and constant love throughout the years. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Windham officiating. A brief visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside, bearing in mind the need for social distancing due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Location Not Available Monday 3/30, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm A brief visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside, bearing in mind the need for social distancing due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time. Service Location Not Available Monday 3/30, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Windham officiating. Cemetery Location Not Available Monday 3/30, 1:00 pm A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Windham officiating.