This memorial website was created in the memory of my brother, my buddy Ray.

We will remember him forever.

Father, Brother, Uncle

Francis Ray Bass was born on February 28, 1950 in Colorado City, Texas. He always went by Ray. He was named after his father and paternal grandfather.

He departed this world on June 28, 2013 and joined others that have gone before him. He is now at peace with his mother, Pauline Elizabeth Carroll and two brothers, Earl Pliny Bass and Michael Paul Bass and his father.

Ray is survived by his children, Daniel Ray Bass and his wife Michelle of 29 Palms California; Kristi Marie Barnett and her husband Charlie of Joshua Tree California; Shawn Anthony Kaufman of Checotah Oklahoma. Two sisters, Carroll Jean Bass of Checotah Oklahoma and Cindy Janice Holbrook of Ridgecrest, California; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a slew of nieces and nephews.

Ray’s Life’s Journey

Ray lived in many states growing up, as his father constantly moved between Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and California before settling down in California in 1961. Being shy Ray always found it hard to make new friends.  Growing up he was the closest to his sister Carroll and they could always find things to get into.

 When Ray was five-years old him and Carroll lit an engine on fire in their back-yard in El Monte, California. They didn’t know what to do so they went into the house and didn’t say anything. Somehow mom and dad figured out they started the fire and they got in BIG trouble!

At age 8 he took Mike out on a picnic while they lived in Texas and the both of them got badly sunburned.

At 16 when he got his license he was about 5’4”. After about a month every cop in town knew him because they had stopped him to verify his age. He got his first job at a gas station. As an attendant his job was to pump gas, check oil levels and wash windows.

At 18 he joined the United States Navy. He wanted to travel the world but never left California.  In boot camp he grew about 9 or 10 inches and his mom barely recognized him at his graduation.

He never liked being called Francis and at one time when he was on leave from the Navy he made his brother Mike eat grass for calling him Francis.

 In 1969 he moved to Bell Gardens and fell in love with the girl down the road, Susie. He was too shy to talk to her, so he had Mike invite her to his dad’s Amway meeting. After a whirlwind courtship they got married. She was the love of his life, even after their divorce in 1980.

Ray owned his furniture moving truck for a while. He also worked for other trucking companies. In 1990 he became the Maintenance manager at the Best Western Motel in Hemet, California and remained there until he became disabled in 2006. 

He loved his children and all of his family. It always made his day to talk to his loved ones. He had a witty sense of humor and would quietly tease you.

Ray remained timid and shy his entire life. He did not like to go out and his family was his friends. He had a lot of love to give.

Ray had many challenges in his life which seemed to be a constant struggle. He was very stubborn and set in his ways. He is now at peace, away from all of the physical and mental pain he suffered.

He will always be remembered and loved. He touched our hearts and our life and parts of him will live on through us forever