Jay “Jack” Forest Bass, 88, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. He was born on May 30, 1936, in Iredell County to the late Fletcher and Lillian Chambers Bass.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Wilma Hayes Bass; four brothers, Henry, June, Paul, and Thomas; and six sisters, Lucy Bass, Mildred Henderson, Dorothy Carson, Polly Moose, Drusilla Haithcox, and Hazel Odom.

Jack was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Statesville. He worked at Southern Screw, Bass Tires, and retired from Pepsi-Cola. After his retirement he enjoyed farming, his animals, especially his goats, and growing watermelons. He loved and cared for his family dearly.

Left to cherish his memory are sisters, Betty Honeycutt and Peggy Keller; son, Ronny (Pat) Bass; daughters, JoAnn (Keith) Cook, Gayle (Jody) Taylor and Trudy (Robert) Goforth; grandchildren, Lorne (Sonya) Cook, Lucy Cook and Elizabeth (Cody) Josey; step-granddaughter, Kim (Scott) Hill; step-great-grandchildren, Katie (Tyler) Bare, Kara (Dawson) Sipes, Kaleb Hill, Emalee (Eric) Money and Nathan Money; great-grandson, Jackson Cook; step-great-great grandchildren, Lydia and Lilah Bare; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bass will lie in repose at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday, February 6, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Friday, February 7, from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 7, at 2 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Mr. Kenneth Thomas officiating. Visitation will follow in the church sanctuary.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 114 Bethany Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bass family.