James Haywood Bass

Clinton

Mr. James Haywood Bass, 76, of 387 Beaverdam Road, passed away peacefully at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  His strength was remarkable, leaving loved ones in constant awe of how he kept a sharp mind, quick wit, and faith that never wavered, even during the darkest days on Friday, May 22, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 31, at 3:00 PM at Owen Grove PFWB with Rev. Freddie Gooding and Rev. Roger Wells officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church sanctuary. 

A family burial will be held at a later date at Sandhills Veterans State Cemetery, Fort Bragg, NC.

 Born on August 16, 1949, in Cumberland County, Haywood was the son of the late Ruth Elmore and Walton Xyvon Bass.  Haywood was a veteran of the United States Army and served two consecutive tours with the 101st Airborne Division as Chief Door Gunner on the Loach helicopter.  After his military career, Haywood continued his journey as a professional long distance truck driver hauling heavy equipment over the United States and Canada.  Later in life, he enjoyed delivering tractors and equipment around the country for Billy and Sean Smith.   Haywood had an excellent work ethic and always a man of his word.     

Haywood is survived by his loving life partner, Dixie Jordan and extended family:  Jeff, Dana, Jayna Jones of Clinton, Selma Owen, Caroline and Arnold Sandy of Roseboro; stepchildren Adam Rowe (Debbie), Jason Rowe (Kristi), Linda Rowe Williamson (Keith) of Kentucky; Stepdad Milton Bass (Donna) of Roseboro.  He is also survived by a host of cousins and huge circle of friends he loved dearly, including his ‘Round Table Buddies’ at Hardees.  His beautiful granddaughter, Jayna, held a special place in his heart from the day they met.  

Haywood was a unique man, a man that will be remembered for his bold spirit and warm heart.  Beyond his work life, he loved his tractors, lawn mowers, Harley Davidson motorcycles, classic cars, fast cars, riding side x sides in West Virginia with family.  You never saw Haywood without his earring, a cross necklace to represent his love for Jesus Christ, bracelets and his beautiful hands were always adorned with four of his favorite rings. 

Haywood enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  Those are moments we all will cherish forever.  If you needed anything, Haywood was the person to call, always willing to help, a man that loved God, family, friends, and his country.  A true hero.

In addition to his parents, Haywood was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Martha Ann Bass and lifelong friend, JW Warren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to fund the Veteran Family Dove Hunt sponsored by Kitty Fork Outdoors and North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen Organization.  This organization was near and dear to Haywood’s heart.  He enjoyed spending time at the hunt and getting to know the military families and their children.

Our family wishes to express deepest gratitude to Liberty Home Health & Hospice Care for their exceptional care, compassion, and support provided to Haywood and to our family.  Thank you to all the dedicated doctors and nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and all other professionals at the Fayetteville VA, Duke University Hospital, Sampson Regional Medical Center/ED, first responders/EMS, Dr. Tim Smith for his continued care through Haywood’s journey. Thank you to nurse, Rhonda Pearce for her guidance, direction, time and love she shared with Haywood and our family.  Each of you will never be forgotten.

While our hearts are heavy, we are forever grateful for the time we had together.

“Jesus has his soul and we have his memory.”

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Bass Family.