Larry Ray Bass

Larry Ray Bass, age 67, of Centerville, Texas passed away suddenly June 24, 2018, in Madisonville, Texas. Memorial services with funeral honors provided by the U.S. Air Force, as well as, the East Texas Patriot Guard Riders will be conducted at 10 A.M., Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas. An inurnment service will be held at 2:30 P.M. the same day in the Veterans National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

Larry Ray Bass was born August 4, 1950, in Houston, Texas to Roger Ray & Dolores Louise (Griswold) Bass. He was raised in Houston and completed two years of college at Texas A&M. During his childhood, he earned Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America, a tidbit of information that Larry was proud to share. Larry also proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He spent several years in Alaska as a serviceman, civilian, and Department of Corrections officer. The majority of Larry’s career was spent supervising wastewater treatment in various cities. He also worked for the Brazos River Authority. Larry’s last job was for Texas Workforce Solutions as a coordinator.

Larry had a strong need to help those who were less fortunate than him. He spent many hours and money from his own pocket delivering food to the homeless or paying for utilities and grocery bills of those who needed assistance. Larry’s help and time devoted to the local veterans of Leon and surrounding counties was insurmountable. Countless hours of his life were spent helping veterans fill out paperwork, supplying transportation to doctor’s appointments and offering assistance to the family of veterans who had passed away.

When Larry had a spare moment, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and, recently working with his brother on a building project. He was a Entered Apprentice – First Degree of the Centerville Masonic Lodge, Service Officer with the American Legion Post #335, and a Ride Captain in the Patriot Guard. He had lived in the Centerville area for the past twelve years, coming from the greater Dallas area.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Debbie Bass, and brother-in-law, Scott Keaton. Surviving family members include high school sweetheart and significant other, Ruth Wakefield of Centerville, Texas; daughter, Cynthia Smith (Michael) of Tucson, Arizona, Alicia Taylor (Anthony) of Crestview, Florida, and Rhonda Bass; brothers, Douglas Bass of Centerville, Texas, Roger Bass of Texas; sisters, Sallie Keaton of Crosby, Texas; Sharla Anderson of California; grandchildren, Michael Pardon, Nicholas Smith, Alexis Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Jr. and honorary granddaughter, Hannah Moore. Larry is also survived by nieces and nephews, Stacey Krecmer, Clint Bass, James Bass, Shelley Arnst, Sarah Jones, Rebecca Keaton, Noah Keaton, Preston Boyd, Jessica Green, and Crystal Warner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local food pantry at The Lord’s Pantry Food Bank in Leona, Texas, in Larry’s name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.