William “Bill” Edward Bass

William Edward Bass, known to all as Bill or Wild Bill, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Those who met Bill quickly learned his signature introduction: “Hi, my name is Wild Bill — world-famous lover, fighter, wild horse rider, and a pretty fair windmill man.” With a story, a song, or one of his playful shenanigans, he could bring laughter to anyone, whether they had known him for five minutes or fifty years. He lived a full and colorful life, forever collecting good stories. From winning the 1942 Lubbock Most Beautiful Baby Award as an infant—a title he jokingly claimed he never outgrew—to becoming an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, Bill embraced life with enthusiasm. In high school he discovered his gift for entertaining, working as a DJ and hosting the legendary Wild Wild Willie Show on KTVU radio in Tulia, Texas.

Never one to avoid adventure, Bill raced dirt track cars and was named Rookie of the Year in 1974 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He loved trout fishing in Platoro, Colorado, hunting, scuba diving, singing and playing guitar, and traveling the world, with Hawaii holding a special place in his heart. If a guitar was nearby, Bill played it. If a fish was present, he tried to catch it. And if a harmless prank presented itself, he rarely passed it up. A proud patriot, he served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves during the Vietnam War, and the American flag flew at his home throughout his life.

On September 9, 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Mitchell, in Plainview, Texas. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure while raising their children. Bill spent most of his career in sales, first with Voluntary Purchasing Group for ten years and then as manager of Gard’n Wise in Lubbock for thirty years. Customers trusted him for his honesty and straightforward approach—he sold only what was needed and often sent them away with a joke, a story, or unsolicited advice they were glad to receive.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Jean Bass; his daughter, Tami Swoboda and her husband Mark; his son, Wade Bass and his wife Jerri; granddaughters Mandi King and husband Eddie Wiggins, Jené Bass and husband Nick Hugon, Mara Echols and husband Isaac Echols; grandson Jered Bass and wife Adriana Ruiz; great-grandchildren Caleb King, Tigo Hugon, Maija Bass Ruiz, and Chloe Echols. All inherited at least a portion of his sense of humor and love of life. Family was Bill’s greatest pride. He bragged about every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild to anyone who would listen, led family adventures, and treasured the memories created along the way. He spread unconditional love and taught those around him to always put family first.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Edward Bass and Willa Vee Bertram. He will be remembered for his stories, his laughter, his adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.