Lifelong resident of Cross Creek, 79 year old Berney Lee Bass died on January 23rd at his home after a long illness.  He was the son of the late Charles Berney and Theresa Bass of Cross Creek.

Berney Lee worked as an electrician, working for many years for All Florida Electric, before his semi-retirement in 2004.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Geraldine Bass, who died in 2004.  He is survived by one daugher, Lee Ann (Rickey)Benton of Cross Creek; two sons, Robert (Marlene) Bass of Lochloosa and Michael (Alisha) of Cross Creek; one sister, Bernice (Billy) Dyson of Hawthorne; and one brother, Roy (Wanda) Bass of Waldo, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Bass was an active member of the New Cross Creek Baptist Church and was a member of the Hawthorne Masonic Lodge, #103.  Bass was an avid duck hunter and fisherman.   Cross Creek area fishermen say the bass in Orange and Lochloosa Lakes are breathing a little easier now.  The video below is a special tribute to Berney Lee.