Ernest Donald "Don" Bass

Ernest Donald Bass 86 of Wilson passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm, on December 1, 2025, at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2800 Nash St N, Wilson, NC 27896. Rev. John Boykin will be officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm, November 30, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson, NC.

Don graduated from Charles L. Coon high school in 1958. Don then served with honor for 36 years in the United States Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant, where he received numerous commendations. Not only did he serve his country, but he served the communities where he lived, he was co-owner of Rockys Steakhouse from 2001 to 2016. He was a member of the Wilson Elks Club, the Masonic Lodge of Wilson, and the Wilson Shrine Club. He enjoyed bowling in his early years, but he settled into golf later in life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his loving wife Patsy W. Bass from March 1987 to present; son, Ernest D. (Dody) Bass, II and wife Tanji; daughters, Donna B. Etheridge and husband Robert, Deana L. Bass White; step-daughter, Kimberly Davis and husband Bragg; granddaughters, Brianna Bass, Bailey Bass and fiancée Brad Batten, Whitley Rose Edmundson and Husband Chad, Kristina Guy, and Jennifer Guy; step-grandsons, Taylor Etheridge, Jackson Etheridge, and John Fitzgerald; step-granddaughters, Jonson Etheridge, and Chloe Fitzgerald; brother Edward R. Bass and wife Barbara, Jerry L Bass and wife Julie; nephews, Ryan Bass, Michael Bass, Justin Bass, Donnie Lamm, Alan Lamm, and Ronnie Lamm.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Ernest Bass and Virginia Whitley Bass Webb; brothers, Bobby, Larry, and Sammy Bass; sister Joyce Lamm.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.