Fred Ellsworth Bassett IV, born May 30th, 1952, completed his work on earth and was called home by his Lord and Savior on September 7th, 2021.
His devotion to his country, family, and his fervent belief in God was demonstrated through a lifetime of loving service and commitment to others. In every aspect of Fred’s amazing journey, he provided a wonderful example of a person who placed the needs of others before his own.
For over two decades, Fred served his country as Fire Control Systems Specialist and Air Traffic Controller, garnering such skill as to warrant his selection to instruct other Air Traffic Controllers. He also demonstrated keen leadership in his role as Flight Superintendent in the United States Air Force. He retired after 24 honorable years in the rank of Master Sergeant. During his years of active service, he played a vital flying role in the Vietnam War. His extraordinary achievements during this period of conflict and turmoil served our great country with honor and distinction.
His meritorious and distinguished honors include: The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clusters, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Alongside his exceptional service to his country, Fred selflessly served God after being led to the Lord by a dear friend. He was a deacon at Zweibrucken Baptist Church in Zweibrucken, Germany, where he was also called to preach. And being a truly gifted musician, Fred provided musical accompaniment for several churches over the years as well. Very few instruments eluded his capabilities, and he blessed numerous souls with his beautiful, heartfelt music. Fred impacted the lives of so many people over the course of his life. He was known to be someone who would always listen and offer up pearls of wisdom to help keep you on your course. He cared so much for the wellbeing of others, and always saw God’s blessings to him as a means to give to others. If someone was in need and he had the ability to help, he never faltered. Fred’s caring and loving nature was felt by all who knew him. Fred fiercely loved and protected his family. He feared and loved his God. He never met a stranger and could literally talk to anyone. He was funny, charming, honest, and wise. He loved music, movies, and books. He adored playing games and was always a kid at heart. He built unique bonds with everyone. No two bonds were the same because no two people were the same. To be loved by Fred was to be protected, treasured, and cherished.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Ellsworth Bassett III and Aline Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Linda Louise Bassett; sister, Patricia Stark; brother, Phil Bassett; daughters, Lisa Aline Norman and her husband Rodney Lee Norman; Amy Patricia Morrow and her husband Michael Sean Morrow; son, Matthew Ryan Bassett; grandchildren, Candace Nichole, Alyssa Ashley, Blair Danielle and her husband Stanley No’el Sutton, Olivia Louise, Mackenzie Ruth, Isaac Dean, Lisa Denay, Ethan Lane and Xavier Cole; great-grandchildren, Jovey Aline, Sylvia Denay, August Darion, Rodney Fred, and a precious unborn baby due to be born on February 14th, 2022. The baby’s name will either be Lisa Winifred Leigh or Freddie Lee Oliver. Grandpa Fred was told what the baby was just three hours before he passed, a secret that he got to know before anyone else and that he took with him to heaven.
We know that he will continue to watch over us all from his heavenly home above, while he is playing that incredible piano in the sky and having the reunion of his life with all those who've gone before him. We will miss his presence, remember his teachings and long for the day when we shall all be together again. Oh, what a day that will be.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 13, 2021, at New Horizon Baptist Church in Ward. Visitation will be one hours prior at the church. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.
