Obituary: Fred E. Bass

He was born April 17, 1933,  in Coffee County, Alabama, to the late Otis and Alva Bass. Fred moved to Winter Garden when he was 9 years old. He attended Lakeview High School, where he was a member of the basketball and swim teams. 

Fred served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. Shortly after leaving the service, Fred met and married his lovely wife, Sarah (Sadie) Tinsley. Married for 58 years, together they had two sons, Michael and Jerry. 

While raising his family, Fred worked for the Walt Disney World company for more than 25 years, during which time he helped construct the theme parks. 

After retirement, “Papa” enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and motorcycles. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and sons and dancing with the love of his life, Sarah. 

Fred was a loving father, grandfather and husband who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

Fred was preceded in his passing by his brothers, Foster, Fletcher and Floyd; and sisters, Dorothy, Gertrude and Grace. 

He is survived by his wife, Sarah; sons, Michael (Dana) and Jerry (Jessica); grandchildren, Brittney, Megan, Justin, Bianca and Nicholas; sisters-in-law Peggy, Dorris and Ada; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

A Celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at Winter Garden Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Fred to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, lcfamerica.org/lcfa_donate.html. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Baldwin Fairchild Winter Garden, baldwinfairchildwintergarden.com.