MILTON — An era has ended with the death of Nancy Bass, one of the most well-known individuals to conduct business in Milton.
Born Dec. 30, 1954, to parents Pitt and Ella Walden, Bass died Oct. 10, 2016, at age 91. She spent 50 years or so as a prominent businesswoman who often put others’ welfare before her own.
Remember when a cup of coffee cost a nickel and a slice of pie to go with it was a dime? Bass said she never forgot those good ole days.
In fact, long before Milton had a Burger King, a Hardees or What-A-Burger, Bass served her famous Kwik Burgers, which eventually gave her and her husband Kenneth’s restaurant its name.
A few years ago, Bass spoke of the days when there was one restaurant in this part of town, and that was Rollo’s.
In February of 1961, she and her husband opened Kwik Burger at its present site on property they purchased from Dan McKenzie of McKenzie Motors in a building constructed by John Wallace, father of Bill Wallace of Bill Wallace Realty.
If you think coffee and pie for 15 cents was a bargain, consider breakfast and dinner. One could get a full-course breakfast for 35 cents and lunch consisting of two types of meat and four vegetables, including tea coffee and bread, for 50 cents.
Without a sign to identify the “no name” café, notoriety was gained by Bass’ delicious homemade pies and farm-fresh vegetables, which she laboriously prepared with tender loving care. Word of mouth from well-fed customers accounted for much of her success.
Bass was a friend’s friend who devoted much of the time she had after work tending to others’ welfare. She was a leukemia survivor who continued, after her recovery, to manage the restaurant, which, by this time, had gained a good name all along the Panhandle.
The Basses raised four sons, including Steve (deceased), Danny, Kenny and Randy. Nancy Bass was blessed with a large family of grandchildren and grandchildren.
Nancy’s “do-unto-others” philosophy has been partly credited for the couple’s success. That and strong spiritual values, which she put ahead of everything else. First Baptist Church of Milton was her church home, and she made an effort every opportunity she had to attend.
Mrs. Bass’s funeral will be held Oct. 15 with Trachan Funeral Home conducting arrangements. She will be interred in Serenity following services.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Beloved Milton business owner, Kwik Burger pioneer, dies