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BORN
1936
DIED
2016
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George Bass Obituary
Nashville, TN
George Harold Bass, Nashville, TN, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 25, 2016.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lorena Johnson Bass; two daughters Patricia Jo (Trish) Holliday (Andy), and Janet Gail Castle (Walter); and two grandsons, George Russell Pulley (G.R.) and Garland Bruce Pulley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A native Nashvillian, George graduated from West End High School and Tennessee Technological University, with a degree in civil engineering. In 1959, he began his career at the State of TN Department of Transportation as a roadway design engineer. While at the State Department of Personnel, as the Director of Training, he founded the TN Government Executive Institute (T.G.E.I.), which continues today 30+ years later. Sen. Douglas Henry presented a Senate Resolution to George recognizing him for over 30 years of public service to the State of TN.
George's legacy of life was being the founder and director of Mountain T.O.P. (TN Outreach Project), a national nonprofit ministry located in the Cumberland Mountains of TN. Mountain T.O.P. has served thousands of youth and adults from all across the country for almost a half-century to have a servant heart and to give back to the people of great need in the Appalachian Mountain region.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Owen Nixon, and father, Harold Graham Bass, and mother-in-law, Lorena Groomes Johnson, all of Nashville.
The Celebration of Life Service and Visitation will be held at Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205, Monday, August 29, 2016, visitation from eleven until one o'clock with the Celebration of Life Service at one o'clock. There will be a gathering immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain T.O.P. Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 128, Altamont, TN 37301 or the Blakemore UMC Endowment Fund, 3601 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205.
Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Bass
Sponsored by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Susan Sain
September 16, 2023
First memory I have of George is his big smile and even bigger heart! I loved my years at Mountain TOP. My condolences go out to his family. All my love
Susan Massey Sain
August 22, 2020
We will always remember George, stand up guy , good Christian, family man, love Bonnie Sersland
August 23, 2019
I know your family from how much my daughter developed leadership skills, compassion, work ethic , more relationship with God, love of mountain TOP, and belief in Children's value and help needed to give all a better chance to flourish with God , For God , and with His Help. You know me probably only as Erika Peterson Scissom's mom. Ryelyn and her mom have been there lots and I am thankful for their love of the Mountain Top enough to live near it with her family RW, Rye and herself. Thank you for all and may God continue to bless you always.
Bonnie Sersland
November 23, 2016
Dear Rene, I cannot find the words to tell you how much George will be missed. He was so fun and loving. When I worked in your store I always enjoyed when he came in and we talked and you gave him errands !! that he loved ! I pray for you and the girls, and family and hope you find your way. I have always loved being your friend and your friendship. Love you, Bonnie Sersland
September 1, 2016
Lorena
I did not know your husband, but I loved you as a young girl in high school, and my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry to hear of your husband's death.
Life goes by so fast,
You will be in my prayers, and my thoughts in days to come.
And, maybe one day I will get to see you again.
Lovingly,
Cecilia Speck Hudson
Jen Burch
August 31, 2016
The United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) Association extends our sympathy to the family. May God's loving presence comfort you in this time of loss. We also celebrate with you the rippling, ongoing impact of George's ministry and the ways his legacy will live on in the lives of so many. We are grateful for his service in UMC camping, youth and adult ministry, and mission.
Bob Whitsett
August 31, 2016
George was more than a friend, he was an inspiration for hundreds of people, both young and old. He was the epitome of what a Christian should be and will be greatly missed. The best accolades I could give him is this: I wish I could have been like George. Bob Whitsett (McLean, VA)
Marcia Burns
August 30, 2016
I grew up with George and Rene in the most nurturing church, Waverly Place Methodist Church. Many of us were from single-parent homes, many with alcohol-related problems. Our church nurtured and inspired us. We have always been grateful! He certainly did "pass it on" in such a meaningful way, in his private life, as a devoted husband and father, a strong church worker, and as the founder and leader of MountainTOP, which touched so many lives, of the youth and adults who shared his love and devotion, but also to the individuals whose lives were impacted by this gift of love and service. "Love in Action!" We are grateful!
Marcia Nichol Burns, Watsonville, Ca.
Trish Ketchum
August 29, 2016
George was my youth director at Blakemore when I was in high school. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Libby Mitchell Palmer
August 29, 2016
I am one of the dozens (hundreds?) of young people who George counseled at Waverly Place Methodist Church back in the 60's. Actually, I think I joined the church because of the MYF square dances in the parking lot on Sunday nights -- where George was the caller, and made them so much fun! And then, I definitely became one of the many, many teenagers who would literally stand in line to have some time with him on Sunday nights, after MYF. (Lorena -- you were a saint to let us take up so much of his time!!) He made me feel like my concerns/questions/struggles were valid. How important he was to all of us. I've told my children about him -- and hoped they had a "George" in their lives. I moved away from Nashville in 1966, but thanks to Diane and Tommy Hayes, I was able to see him and Lorena a couple of years ago and introduce my husband to them. I hope I said clearly enough to both Lorena and George how very much they meant to me. And to read here about everything he accomplished -- George had a very meaningful and important life. Again -- every really lucky young person will have a "George" in their lives -- how fortunate were those of us at Waverly Place Methodist Church!
Ellen Bermudez
August 29, 2016
No words can encompass the presence, the wisdom, the energy that George radiated. I am so thankful for the opportunity he afforded to me to join the summer staff at Mountain TOP and I am honored to be a recipient of the knowledge he shared. Thinking of Gail, Renie & Trish and sending them my love and hope for healing and peace during this time. - Ellen "Ranson" Bermudez
Paul and Diane Langston
August 29, 2016
Words cannot come now. Going to our church during ceremony with prayers for you, Trish, Gail, and the family. Our trips home will never be the same.
Love and prayers,
Paul and Diane.
Maret Olson
August 29, 2016
Renie, Trish and Gail, I'm remembering George fondly, praying for you, and wishing you peace. Love Maret Olson.
Chuck Herr
August 29, 2016
Loved our talks at different camps during many trips to Mountain TOP. What a legacy that will continue to involve youth in God's work. Thanks
Shari Boyd
August 29, 2016
George was many things to me in the decade I got to know him, the most important thing he became was my friend. He had accomplished so much through his work, his ministry, his life and yet he was never without "time" for someone that needed it ~ Selfishly, I will miss our chats and our lunches but my heart breaks for Lorena and his girls because in the end, they were his world and I know he was theirs. Godspeed George ~ looks like you got the promotion of a lifetime!
Peggy and Dave Glascoff
August 28, 2016
I met George and Renie when they invited my dear college friend, Linda, (their niece) and me for Sunday dinner after church. Their home was filled with warmth and love as were their hearts. The Basses were quite a team and it is hard to imagine one without the other. Together they made the world not only a better place. but a more joyful place. George lived a life that mattered to so many. He will be sorely missed. Dave and I send our deepest sympathy to Renie, Gail, and Trish as well as his extended family and many close friends. May your deep and abiding faith in God bring you comfort along with your cherished memories.
Rhonda Hitt
August 28, 2016
George Bass was my uncle. He always showed me how much he loved me. I am so sad and heartbroken learning of this news about my Uncle George. My prayers are with Rene, Trish and Gail and all of the Bass family . I will miss you so much Uncle Georgie
Cathy Ellis
August 28, 2016
I met George in 1968 at a church camp in Beersheba Springs when I was a freshman in high school? He had such a huge im pact on all of us. We never forgot him! He was a wonderful man!
Heather Warren
August 28, 2016
I do not have enough words of thanks for George Bass. I owe him so much. He loved and trusted young people--no small gift. He brought out the best in people because, as he taught those of us at Mountain T.O.P., he expected the best. My heart goes out to Renie, Trish, and Gail. Not only has George finally "found the pony," he is seeing our Lord face-to-face and hearing him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Anne Compton Williams
August 28, 2016
Lorena & family, My thoughts & prayers to you & your family. Growing up at Waverly Place Methodist church, George was a special person to my parents & my family. It has been some time since I have seen him, but he will be remembered to me as a special person.
Diane peterson
August 28, 2016
I am sorry for your loss but know God has him in his arms. I can't say enough about how mountain Top has raised my daughter Erika peterson Scissom to be the best she can be and am so happy that my granddaughter has been blessed by the world he made possible. My grand daughter is 6 and when i told her my dog em had died and had been old. She immediately said oh grammie I am sorry and I will pray for your dog.George was a wonderful man who lived the life many just talk about.doing. II knew since him since my daughter was in early high school. Diane Peterson
Andrew Soltys
August 28, 2016
George:
This senior citizen trainer wants to say to you, a trainer who in his Tennessee career made many a State employee superior in their daily work performance, this Latin expression: "Requiescat in Pace - Rest in Peace", my friend. Tennessee State Government employees who were products of your many training sessions I'm sure would join me in paying honor to you on this occasion. Keep up those superior training sessions in heaven.
Andrew J. Soltys, Jr.
Cordova, TN
Greg Lucas
August 28, 2016
I'm saddened by our loss. I'm grateful to George for blessing me through Mountain T.O.P and thankful for all of the people he served throughout his life. My prayers and the prayers of the congregation I serve surround George's family and friends.
Rev. Greg Lucas
Daniel Ahlert
August 27, 2016
Dan Ahlert
Daniel Ahlert
August 27, 2016
George came to Speedway U.M.C. and it was an honor to sing a song a song I wrote for Him. This is His verse.
George Bass heard God whisper take my love to the Mountain Top. His first reaction was to say all
my plans will have to stop. Instead He grabbed some tools and took a few close friends. Many years later they are doing it again.
It's about hope: it's about faith: it's about love:
it's about Grace.
Frances Beaver
August 27, 2016
Truly, George Bass lived his Christianity, and the world is a better place for his passing through it. He and Lorena have been an unforgettable team and so many people, me included, feel fortunate to call them "friends." He will be greatly missed.
August 27, 2016
George was a great friend from high school thru college and beyond. Wish we had stayed in touch more. Knew he always had a great way of working with youth and all folks. Best to Lorena and the family. Look forward to seeing you Monday. David Compton (Germantown, TN)
Daniel Ahlert
August 27, 2016
George Bass heard God whisper, take my love to the Mountain Top.
His first reaction was to say, all my plans will have to stop.
Instead he grabbed some tools and He took a few
close friends.
_____ some years later, they are doing it again.
It's about Hope: it's about Faith: it's about loving
everybody: it's about God's amazing Grace.
It's a song I wrote, I sang to George when he came to Speedway U.M.C.
Susie Tucker
August 27, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting George at a TGMI meeting in 2001 and enjoyed chatting with him about state government and old times. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you all.
Frances Dellinger
August 27, 2016
George Bass made such a huge difference in the lives of so many people from all walks of life. The ministry he founded, Mountain TOP, changed lives. He made an incredible difference in mine. My prayers are lifted for all of the family. George loved his family with every ounce of his being and was a true friend. Rest well, good and faithful servant.
Michael Plunk
August 27, 2016
As a neighbor and friend I can say my life is fuller from knowing Mr. Bass. His willingness to invest his time and life for the benefit of others is a rare gift. His stories, laugh and wisdom, I will carry close for the rest of my life. Thx Mr. Bass for making this world a better place.
August 27, 2016
George was my Youth Director in MYF 57 years ago. He became my best friend and had remained my best friend since. I could talk with him about anything and he always had the right advice. Through Mountain T.O.P. he taught me about the needs of other people, which I'm so thankful for understanding. George was my role model and molded me into what I am today. I will miss him more than words can say. I loved that man. Ray Jones (Nashville, TN)
Carolyn Greenwood
August 27, 2016
I cherish the hours we spent cooking and talking together in the MT TOP kitchens. His love of the Lord was always present and he used this love to guide many. May God's comfort be with his family and friends during this time of grief and remembering.
Gwen and Peter Cassidy
August 27, 2016
We are fortunate to have known George, an enthusiastic and hard working person who was always interested in new people and new adventures. Our prayers and sympathy to Rene and all the family.
Melvin Jones
August 26, 2016
I met Mr. Bass only one time, but I came to know his energy and passion through his daughter Trish. My family sends our love and our prayers and our deepest condolences to all the Bass Family. May God Bless and Keep You All in His Loving Care!!! peace. Melvin and Darlene Jones
August 26, 2016
George always had a smile for everyone. He truly had a servant's heart and I will miss him immensely.
Sherrie Nichols
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