Claude P. Bass Jr. (Sam), 80, of Susan, Va., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014.

He previously lived in Newport News for 39 years. He was born Aug. 24, 1934 in Ettrlck, Va., to Claude and Mildred Bass. He graduated from Warwick High School. He took several courses in law enforcement at Thomas Nelson. He was employed with Newport News Fire Dept. for 32 years and retired to take a position as Chief of Security with the Mariners’ Museum for 12 years.

Sam loved to read and camp until he moved to his home in Mathews that he loved. He was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Mildred nee Schrum, and son, Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Stephen (Rita) and Jeffery (Susan); daughter, Cynthia Roman (Charles); brother, Warner Bass; 12 grandchildren, Bonnie (Damon), Barry (Regina), Mindy, Matt, Danny (Joy), Danielle (Pat), Chalie (Terra), Petra, Caitlin, Tessa, Heather and Ariel, and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, from 6-6:45 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, Onemo, Va. A funeral service followed at 7 o’clock at the church with a reception following. Inurnment at Windsor Gardens will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice.

We thank Hospice, his Riverside staff of doctors and caregivers; his special friends, Charles and Carolyn Pugh and Carl and Norma Turner.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.