Mr. Gene Franklin Bass

December 22, 2018

FORT MEADE - It is with great sadness that the family of Gene Franklin Bass announces his passing after a brief illness. Gene entered the kingdom of heaven on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the age of 79. Gene will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 57 years, Lela; his son, Kenneth Bass and wife Terri; daughter, Janet Scarbrough and husband Tim; granddaugters, Melissa Higginbotham and husband Robert, and Lora Bass; one great-granddaughter, Shayla Higginbotham. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mortia Bass, sister, Gloria Sherwood, and his son, Jimmy Bass. He was a member of Oak Park Baptist Church in Fort Meade, and faithfully served his country with honor as a member of the Florida National Guard, retiring after 27 years of service. His sense of civic duty also led him to serve his community as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for 32 years. Gene was a member of the American Legion, Post #23 in Fort Meade, and a member of the Fort Meade High School graduating class of 1960. He was an avid outdoorsman whose passion was hunting, fishing, and relaxing at his beloved cabin in Salt Springs, FL. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Hancock Funeral Home, 945 E. Broadway, Fort Meade. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Roger Quarles officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171