Curtis Edward Bass' Obituary
Mr. Curtis Edward Bass, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend transitioned peacefully at Christus Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, LA on September 3, 2025, at the age of 70. Mr. Curtis Edward Bass was born on September 20, 1954 in Perry, Georgia to the late Mr. Willie Bass Jr. and Ernistine (Fann) Hill-Bass. He was the sixth child of eight and the last son born into the family. He was converted in his family church at an early age at Greater Union Baptist Church in Perry, Ga. He grew up in Perry, Ga and was raised with his siblings by his paternal grandmother Macedonia (Massie) Tillman and his aunt Dorthy Fann after he lost his mother at the age of 11.
Mr. Curtis Bass graduated from Perry High School after the integration of New Hope Middle School, Class of 1972 where he shined as their first black 1st commander of their Air Force ROTC program and on the football field as a guard/tackle. After graduating high school, he joined the US Army. In his mid-military career, Curtis Bass was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1979 and that is how he met the love of his life, Mary Ford (Deceased) from Hawthorne, LA whom he married in 1981. Curtis Bass served our Country for 13 years in the US Army. Throughout his 13 years as a military soldier, he gained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) in the Tanker Division as an Armor crewman and he was one of the first black Marksman to train soldiers in Tunis, Tunisia to operate complicated weapons system and was honored by their Ambassador, Peter Sebastian in 1984. Be it known, Mr. Curtis Bass was a member of the last M60A2 Tank Battalion in the US Army, and was honored for his teachings and support of this sophisticated weapon system while others could not, and through his effort, the Abrams Battalion always won.
After his 13 years of service, he wanted to make Leesville, Louisiana his home so he became a dedicated member of the American Legion VFW Post 510 in Leesville, LA to continue his service throughout the community and he also gained employment at Boise Cascade in Deridder, LA as a Firefighter for their Hazmat Fire Brigade & Fire Patrol and as a paper machine operator in 1986. Mr. Curtis Bass worked faithfully to provide for his family with strength and commitment until he retired in 2008 after 22 years. He was known for the love that he had for his family in Perry, Georgia and for his extended family in Leesville, Louisiana. His strong will, determination, and his willingness to help and serve a long with his military service instilled in him a strong sense of self, duty and resilience, qualities that defined his character throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. He leaves to cherish his precious memories are daughter, Tanika Bass of Alexandria, LA and two sons, Joshua Bass of Leesville, LA and Curtis Wilson Jr. of Pineville, LA, grandson, Malachi Wilson, granddaughter, Alekah Wilson, siblings’ sisters Brenda Porter (Ben) of Alexandria, VA and Stephanie Martin of Perry, GA. His sister-n-laws Jacqueline Williams (Harry) of New Orleans, Louisiana and Lou-Anne of Philadelphia, PA. His devoted nieces Shavonna, LaDonna, Nikki, Ravena, Rita, Stephanie, Samara, Angela, Kim and Jackie; nephews Dane, Dundi, Kelcy, Kevin, Willie, Jason and Alexis; Great-nieces Vicky, Patrice, Shay, Yolanda and Angie; Great-nephews Patrick Jr. and Eric and numerous family cousins, friends and Army buddies.
His children would like to send a special Thank You to all who cared for their father in these past three years, from his CNA’s through Companion Care in Leesville, his nurses and therapists through the VA and Elara caring of Leesville, his personal barbers and caregivers throughout the community, the Medical staff at Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria and at Christus Highland Medical Center in Shreveport.
Funeral service is under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. The viewing will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 13 followed by the homegoing ceremony at 11:00 am.
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