Notable people from DeRidder, Beauregard Parish: George Bass
Vincent Labue and Elona Weston
The following comes from a series created by Vincent Labue and Elona Weston:
You may not know it, but DeRidder has produced some of the best football players in America.
One of those was George Bass, one of the most sought-after linemen in Louisiana.
George graduated from DeRidder High School in 1960 with his last football game played there in 1959.
With numerous football offers, George met with legendary University of Texas Coach Darrell Royal in his home at 416 North Pine Street.
Coach Royal flew from Austin to the DeRidder airport to convince the All-State player that if he would sign with the Longhorns, they would compete for the National Championship.
My friend Julian Read, a gentleman of the old school and friend to many, called me in January. Just checking in, he said. Catching up. How were my wife and I doing?
Just fine, we said. And Read said he was just calling to tell us he loved us. And he was calling because he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to tell us that again. Sounded like he was checking in and catching up with lots of folks.
Like I said, a gentleman with many friends. And a life that included links to a varied and legendary cast of characters, including John F. Kennedy, John Connally, Elvis Presley, Darrell Royal, Siegfried and Roy, and many more.