Former Clemson coach Tom Bass passes

by CU Athletic Communications - Sun Dec 15 14:41:02 GMT-04:00 2013

Coach Thomas (Tom) Sidney Bass, 78, of 42 Hickory Way and husband of Dee M. Bass died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at his home.

Born in Mooresville, NC, he was the only son of the late Thomas Gilmore and Ola Mae Bass. He was also predeceased by his only sibling Janice Wingate and her husband Tommy of Mooresville, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dee Bass of the home; the mother of his children, Susan P. Keaton of Abbeville, SC; children, Stephen (Barbara) Bass of Seneca, Laura Bass of Austin, TX and John (Samantha) Bass of Anderson, SC; step-daughter, Dee Anne (Robbie) Shoenleben of Liberty, SC; cherished and beloved grandchildren, Ian Shoenleben, Andrew Bass, Hannah Bass and Harper Bass; brothers-in-law Larry (Barbara) Morgan of Englewood, TN and Jerry Morgan of Madisonville, TN; and a number of Aunts and nieces and nephews.

Coach Bass was a graduate of Mooresville High School, Maryville College in Tennessee; Edinburgh Scotland; and the Sports Academy in Mobile, AL. Tom served in the 82nd Airborne Pathfinders during the Korean Conflict, making 69 jumps. Tom's coaching career spanned 41 years having coached at Sevier County Tennessee for 4 years where he had Dolly Parton as a student; 1 year at Univ. of Tennessee; 14 years at Clemson University under 5 different coaches; 20 years at Seneca High School where he served as Athletic Director and Head Coach; and after 10 years of retirement returned for 1 year at Seneca High School. Tom loved football, golf and was an avid reader. He was a proud member of the "morning coffee club" where he shared his morning coffee with his many friends. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. Tom was a member of First Baptist Church of Clemson.

Memorial services will be held at 7 PM, Thursday, Dec. 19 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Rd., Central, SC with Rev. Harold Olson, Judge Gary Barnes and Coach Jim Hammett officiating. The "Coffee Club" will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Visitation will begin at 5 PM, Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family will be at their respective homes.

The family's heartfelt love goes to their many, many friends for their prayers, love, support, and much needed help. We give praise to Interim Home Health and Hospice and especially Janet Turner and Paul Bateman who provided wonderful care to Tom and his family.

Flowers will be accepted but the family would prefer donations to Interim Hospice, 115 Deacon Tiller Court, Duncan, SC 29344 or to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Health), 2320 E. North Street, #L, Greenville, SC 29607-1250.

"We love you papaw"

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.