Obituaries

Charles Lee "Charlee" Bass

June 20, 1970 - February 9, 2026

Charles Lee “Charlee” Bass, age 55, peacefully entered eternity with his Heavenly Father on February 9, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. Born June 20, 1970, in Lakeland, Florida, to Robert “Bobby” Augustus Bass and Carolyn “Laverne” (McNeal) Bass, Charlee was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend whose infectious spirit and generous heart touched everyone around him.

Charlee was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Bernice (Buckler) Bass, whom he married on May 3, 1997, in Mulberry, Florida. Together, they built a beautiful life in Lakeland and raised three wonderful children: sons, Charles “Hayden” Bass, married to Miriam (Krause) Bass, and Joseph “Riley” Bass, as well as their daughter, August Leah Bass. Charlee cherished his role as a husband and father and was dedicated to nurturing and supporting his family in all their endeavors.

Charlee is also survived by his mother, Laverne (Bass) Hopkins of Mulberry, and his siblings: sister Suzi Johnson, married to Allen Johnson of Altamonte Springs; sister Charity Howell, married to Jeremy Howell of LaBelle; and brother Shayne Bass, married to Amanda Bass of Lakeland. Charlee was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Bass.

Charlee’s early years were marked by his vibrant spirit and zest for life. He graduated from Mulberry High School in 1989, where he played baseball and basketball and was known as the class clown, always leading the charge at pep rallies with his infectious enthusiasm. Charlee was the life of the party wherever he went and his love for laughter was a hallmark of his character.

Professionally, Charlee managed skating rinks across Florida, in Lakeland, Tampa, Stuart, and Vero Beach. He was also self-employed as a mobile DJ and owned a bounce house rental company, bringing joy to countless events.  He cherished the times he spent working alongside his wife and children, instilling the importance of good work ethics and creating memories which will last a lifetime.

Charlee was not only dedicated to his family but also deeply committed to his community.  He spent many seasons on the field, coaching Babe Ruth baseball in Mulberry and Highland City, fostering a love for the game in young athletes.  Because of his exceptional ear for sound, music, and love for the microphone, he ran church services and outreach events at First Assembly Mulberry and Harvest Church Lakeland.  For many years, he worked closely with the security team and was dedicated to volunteering in Kids Church at Harvest Church Lakeland.  He had a special passion for the Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), where he inspired young hearts to pray for and support missionaries around the world.

Those who knew Charlee will remember his love for the color yellow, a perfect match for his sunny nature which lit up every room he entered. He had an impressive collection of Nike and Jordan shoes, often coordinating his outfits to ensure that his appearance was as bright and uplifting as his heart. Charlee’s faith was a significant part of his life, and he loved sharing the joy of the Lord with everyone he met. Charlee had a unique ability to take a sincere interest in others, often going out of his way to bless those around him with thoughtful gifts or gestures, making their lives a little brighter, and embodying the very essence of kindness and compassion.

As we gather to honor Charlee, we invite family and friends to join us for his Celebration of Life service on February 21, 2026, at Harvest Church Lakeland, with a visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Please join us in celebrating Charlee’s colorful character by wearing yellow and/or your favorite sneakers.  In honor of Charlee’s legacy of giving, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), an organization dear to Charlee’s heart.  You may donate during the service or online at KindridGiving (Fund: Benevolence, Optional: Charlee Bass).

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the numerous medical staff who provided support and care during Charlee’s many years of extensive health challenges and unrelenting physical pain, and for ensuring his final moments were peaceful and comfortable as he made his transition from Earth to Heaven.

As we celebrate Charlee’s life, let us remember his contagious personality, love for the Lord and for family, and dedication to his church and community.  His presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to have known him.