Published: August 9, 2021


Harold Wayne Bass passed away Friday evening, August 6, 2021, at Alive Hospice in Nashville. He was born on December 31, 1934 in Pulaski and was 86 years old.

Harold, along with his wife Sara, were committed to serving Giles County in many compacities. Their devotion to sharing their love to so many families in times of need was evident in their presence and outpouring of support.

Harold graduated from Giles County High School (Class of 1953), Martin Methodist College (1955), Middle Tennessee State University (BS 1957 & MA 1962), additional graduate study at George Peabody College for Teachers (1966-1967). He graduated from American Bankers Association's Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and American Bankers Association's Graduate School of Human Resources Management at University of Colorado.

Harold taught mathematics at Bodenham High School, Athens College, Martin Methodist College, Richland High School. He served as Academic Dean and as Registrar and was founding sponsor of Gamma Beta Phi Society while at Martin Methodist College.

He was employed at First National Bank of Pulaski 1978-2003; originally hired as bank auditor, retired as Vice-President and member of Executive Management Team and Secretary/Treasurer of First Pulaski National Corporation; was founding coordinator of the First National Bank Student Advisory Board; named Employee of the Year, 1983.

Examples of Harold’s accomplishments and commitment to the community are as follows. Member of the Rotary for over 50 years and the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. Past President of Pulaski Rotary Club, 1970-1971; named Rotarian of the Year, 1974-1975, 1997-1998 & 2008-2009. President of the Giles County Chapter of American Red Cross, 1996-1999. President of Pulaski Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, 1979-1980. President of Pulaski-Giles County Chamber of Commerce, 1986. President of Giles County National Little League Softball Program, 1986-1987. Chairman of Administrative Board, First United Methodist Church, 1972 & 1973; served as delegate to Annual Conference 1972, 1973 & 2006; Chairman of Council on Ministries, 1974 & 1975. Stephen Minister, First United Methodist Church, 2005-2011. President of Giles County United Methodist Laity Club, 1976-1977. Member of Southside Elementary School's Southside Buddy mentoring program, 2008-2013 Member of J. Marlin Goodman Memorial Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, 2000-present.

Visitation will be Monday, August 9, 2021, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski.

The funeral service will be 11:00am Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church.

The burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church c/o 200 West Jefferson Street Pulaski, TN 38478 or The University of Tennessee Southern c/o 433 West Madison Street   Pulaski, TN 38478 or Alive Hospice c/o 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN 37203.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edgar Reed Bass & Rosa Mae Paysinger Bass. Sister: Martha Scales & husband, Robert E. "Buster" Scales. Brother: Thurman "Biley" Bass & wife Elise. Brother: Paul Hix Bass and wife Mary Ann.

He is survived by his,

Wife of 58 years Sara White Bass of Pulaski. Son: Bob Bass of Nashville. Daughter Nancy Bass of Nashville. Daughter Amy Woodard & husband Shane of Pulaski. Grandchildren: Sara Woodard & Luke Woodard.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Harold Wayne Bass.