Kenneth Michael Bassard

Kenneth Michael Bassard, was affectionately known to his family as “Kenny,” and to his friends as“Buzz” or “BD.” Kenny was born on December 12, 1948 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late John Butler, II and Christiana Williams Bassard. He was the second of four children. He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth (Mikey) Bassard, his parents, and two siblings John “Skip”Bassard and Brenda Bassard Hicks. Kenny began his formal education in Columbia, SC and graduated from C. A. Johnson High School. He enrolled in the University of South Carolina and after his sophomore year, was drafted into the United States Army, but enrolled in the U.S. Air Force where he earned the rank of E5. While in the Air Force, he was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. Upon returning to South Carolina he began taking night classes on the Campus of Shaw Air Force Base. Prior to completing his final courses at the University, The Department of Transportation Federal Aviation offered him a job as an Air Traffic Controller in Meridian, Mississippi. His teachers averaged his grades and he was able to earn a BS Degree in Accounting. After 40 years of service, Kenny retired from what he termed the BEST JOB EVER with the Federal Aviation Administration. Kenny met and married Mary B. White in 1980, and this union produced two sons Kenneth Jr., affectionately known as “Mikey” and Ryan. At the age of 12 his daughter, Sarina joined the family. Kenny loved his family. He maintained a close relationship with his uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers. Kenny was a speed demon and loved tinkering with old cars, bikes, and boats. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and flying and lived every day to the fullest. He did not understand the concept of taking things slowly, as he did not want life to pass him by. Loving memories will be cherished by his two children, Ryan Bassard of Clinton, MD and Sarina (Tony) Guinyard, of Waldorf, MD, grandchildren, Blake Marshall, Savannah and Hunter Guinyard, a brother Wayne (Deborah) Bassard of Bowie, MD, Uncles James Bassard of Columbia, SC, Knowlton Bassard, of Ettrick, VA, Alphonso (Laverne) Bassard, of Columbia, SC, an Aunt, Phyllis B. Hutchinson of Elgin, SC, Sister-in-law Mary Ann Bassard, of Manning, SC, Ryan’s fiancé, Jayna Fenton of Pasadena, MD, a special and loving cousin, Phyllis (Pedro) White of Sandy Springs, MD, and caring friends for many years, “Fely” Ogdamina of Waldorf, MD and Johnetta Wormley of Clinton, MD, as well as a host of other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, former colleagues, classmates and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth Michael Bassard please visit our Sympathy Store.