Ernie Bass Passes

[ancrdave]

Ernest Lee (Ernie) Bass, 83, went to be with his Lord on March 18, 2017. He was born August 19, 1933 in Lutz, Florida to the parents of the late Ruth Bennett and Ranzie Bass. Ernie was a retired truck driver of over 40 years. He had a passion for race car driving and did it for more than 30 years winning many feature races at tracks all over Florida including Orlando Raceway, Orlando SpeedWorld, Eau Gallie Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway, Sunbrock Speedway, Gator Speedway (Jacksonville), Golden Gate Speedway (Tampa), Sunshine Speedway (St. Pete) and Auburndale Speedway. He also earned numerous track championships during his long career. In addition to his parents, Ernie is preceded in death by his wife Yvonne Bass, two brothers: R.C. Bass and Frankie Bass, three sisters: Hazel Luft, Doris Reticler, and Mildred Smith. Those to cherish his memory are son: Ernie Bass, two daughters: Heather Lee Green (Chris) and Sandra Barda (Seth), two brothers: Pat Bass (Shirley) and Henry Bass (Betty), grandchildren: Sean Bass (Valerie), Logan and Brayden Surface, and Ayden Green, Great-granddaughter: Makenzie Bass, stepchildren: Freddie, Theresa, Sandy, Diane, and Tonya, step grandchildren: Bryan, Daniela, and Bianca, and numerous nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Ernie's life will be held at A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, 910 West Michigan St., Orlando, FL (just west of the I-4 overpass) on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

Ernie was one of my favorite drivers as a kid growing up in the Orlando area and we became good friends over the years... one of the nicest people I've ever known in racing...

Here are a few photos from Ernie's fantastic career entertaining us at the race track:

[OldSchool+]

I too grew up watching Ernie and he was my favorite guy, among many greats. Well, probably that spot is shared with Bobby Dawson, but Dawson was done sooner and then it was all Ernie for years.

I watched all the cars pictured run weekly except the early modified (or sportsman).

Sean is carrying the flag pretty well for the Bass legacy, I would say.

Rest in Peace, Ernie.

[egspeedway]

Like Old School I first saw Ernie race at Eau Gallie Speedway where he was a regular. He drove hard and clean and provided many thrills. He once hit the fence going into turn 1 at Eau Gallie, his car flipped into the pits and landed on the back of a truck. There were several laying on the ground who were saved by the truck.I said he always drove clean but in my mind he still owes Robby Ashton several nudges into the wall. God speed old warrior and I will cheris the bench racing at the reunions.

[OldSchool+]

'Ol Robbie Ashton.

He and Frank Wood had quite a feud, as I recall.

I really cannot remember seeing Ernie upset behind the wheel, although it probably happened. Like Dawson, he was aggressive but also took care of his equipment.