William Edward Bass

William “Bill” Edward Bass passed away on March 9, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

If you ever met Bill, you probably remember his introduction:“Hi, my name is Wild Bill — world-famous lover, fighter, wild horse rider, and a pretty fair windmill man.”Whether you had known him for five minutes or fifty years, he could make you laugh with a story, a song, or one of his shenanigans.

Bill lived a full and colorful life and seemed determined to collect good stories along the way. He got an early start by winning the 1942 Lubbock Most Beautiful Baby Award, a title he would jokingly claim he never quite grew out of. As a young man, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was a proud member of the Order of the Arrow. In high school, he discovered he enjoyed entertaining people and worked as a DJ, hosting what many remembered as the legendary Wild Wild Willie Show at KTVU radio in Tulia, TX.

Never one to shy away from adventure, Bill spent time racing dirt track cars and was named Rookie of the Year in 1974 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When he wasn’t racing, he was usually chasing another hobby. Bill loved trout fishing in Platoro, Colorado, hunting, scuba diving, singing and playing guitar, and traveling the world. Of all the places he visited, Hawaii was his favorite. If there was a guitar nearby, Bill would play it. If there was a fish nearby, he’d try to catch it. And if there was an opportunity for a harmless prank, he rarely passed it up.

Bill was also a proud patriot who served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. The American flag flew proudly at his home — something he made sure everyone noticed.

On September 9, 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Mitchell, in Plainview, Texas. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure while raising their children. Barbara knew better than anyone that life with Bill meant there was rarely a dull moment.

Bill spent most of his working life in sales, where he built a reputation for honesty and straight talk. He started by working in sales for VPG (Voluntary Purchasing Group) for 10 years. He then transitioned to be the manager for Gard’n Wise in Lubbock for 30 years. Customers trusted Bill because he believed in doing business the right way — he would sell you exactly what you needed to fix the problem and never anything you didn’t. You might also leave with a joke, a story, or advice you didn’t ask for, but were glad to get.

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; granddaughter, Mandi King and husband Eddie Wiggins, granddaughter, Jené Bass and husband Nick Hugon, grandson, Jered Bass and wife Adriana Ruiz, granddaughter, Mara Echols and husband Isaac Echols, great-grandson, Caleb King, great-grandson, Tigo Hugon, great-granddaughter, Maija Bass Ruiz, and great-granddaughter, Chloe Echols, all of who inherited at least a little of his sense of humor and his love of life.

Those who knew Bill knew that his family was his greatest pride. He bragged of every kid, grandkid, and great-grandkid, to anyone who would listen. He cherished and led family adventures and treasured the lasting memories, always taking the time for photos, postcards or random fun opportunities that presented themselves. He spread unconditional love to the people in his life, and taught them to always put family first.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Edward Bass and Willa Vee Bertram.

A public viewing will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Combest Family Funeral Home, 2210 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location (Aloha shirts are encouraged!). A private family committal service will follow.

Bill will be remembered for his stories, his laughter, his love of adventure, and the joy he brought to the people around him. If there’s a racetrack, a fishing hole, or a guitar in heaven, there’s a good chance Wild Bill has already found it — and is probably telling a pretty good story.