For my dear friend and fellow Fire Eater, Basil Dwayne Childress, who went home to the Creator a little over a week ago:
We who see must look upon that which is. Unflinchingly. And were it not for you, Bazz, these many years would I, and others, have seen so clearly the depths of His mercy, shining in the darkness of a world gone mad?
My friend, my brother, now there is but the waiting out of that existential drama against which you so fiercely remonstrated with all your soul, your heart, your life.
And of your life the Psalmist spoke: “De profundis ad altum.”
Rest in His arms, Bazz.
I first met Bazz when I started the Fire Eater back in 2002. He and I worked together on many articles for The Fire Eater over the years. Not long before Bazz went home, he asked me to re-publish some of his writings, and I had made a start.
Over time, I shall publish the writings of Bazz Childress on The Fire Eater, so that a new generation can read them. It was what he wanted.
Bazz Childress, Orange Beach, Alabama, 15 January 2011
It is sadly strange that the newest version of The Fire Eater should launch but a week after Bazz left us, but joyfully appropriate that the first post should be a Bazz post.
MacDonald King Aston
Thank you for the post. I knew Bazz for 37 years, meeting him in late August 1975 at the University of Kentucky. I learned something every time we talked. After the video America in Crisis: A Southern Solution came out, I suggested that he record three to seven minute videos of his vast knowledge on topics Southern and political; A Youtube Channel to educate the future about the past that is being lost. He said that he didn’t have time to do it right. I though it was because he was too busy. He knew it was because he didn’t have the time. Once again, Bazz was right. Even when faced with this reality, Bazz stood tall. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
No, thank you, Randy. I found out through your email.
One common refrain I hear from the close friends of Bazz is his fearlessness in the face of The Lie. You’re right: Bazz stood tall.
Although this latest iteration of The Fire Eater is just getting off the ground, I have plans for videos (and I can hear Bazz now, approving). Perhaps from my book, Yankee Babylon.
Glad to make your acquaintance, Randy!
Tonight I (for the first time in a couple of weeks) sent out an email to Bazz, and received word back of his passing. I’ve known Bazz since 2002, and though I only had the privilege of meeting him in person that one time in 2002 at the Gettysburg SCV Camp banquet; we’ve exchanged email and talked on the phone since then.
I have to say that despite knowing of Bazz’s health problems this still came as a complete shock to me. I usually tend to take news of this nature very stoically and normally would not leave a comment like this but because of who Bazz was I feel compelled to say something.
Bazz was one of the few people that I’ve known that I just knew that I really liked right off. When we talked it was like one of us could start a thought and the other finish it. That needs to be said I guess because it’s so rare to meet someone like that.
Bazz was first and foremost a Southerner, a philosopher, a historian, a teacher, and a friend. Nothing I’m able to write does him justice, and this is a very inadequate goodby.
Rest in peace my friend.
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains, from whence my help shall come.
2 Mine help cometh from the Lord, which hath made the heaven and the earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to slip: for he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold he that keepeth Israel, will neither slumber or sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shadow at thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, he shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in from henceforth and forever.
Psalm 121 Geneva translation.
Thanks, Thomas, for your words and thoughts. It is obvious you knew Bazz, for he is as you described. And Bazz would “get” the present tense for the same reason he would love your choice of Psalm 121.
~mac
Mac,
I had the pleasure of two telephone conversations with Bazz since I got involved in Southern issues beginning around 1999/2000.
The last one was in regards to how my son coped with his rearranged body. Serving in the Army, on his third deployment in Iraq, he lost his right arm and leg in a landmine explosion. Bazz had been in the hospital and had previously heard about my son’s ordeal. He determined if my son could not complain, then he could do no less. He sent word via email to call him, which I did, and he just wanted me to know how much he admired my son, his attitude and how proud he was that he at least knew of me, his father plus that we had talked at least twice. Having read Bazz’s emails through SHNV as well as some personal correspondence I was well aware of his giant intellect.
What I was not aware of was the delicate nature of his health. I presumed his hospitalisation which he referred me to was of a routine type nature. When I learned Bazz had passed away, I was floored. To quote Lee at Gettysburg, “Too bad! Too bad! OH! Too bad!!”
The world, especially the South, lost a rare kind of man – principled, resolute, refined, highly intelligent, a caring family man with a solid spiritual base. To the man I knew only through two telephone calls, several email correspondences but never had the honour to meet, “FAREWELL, GENTLE GIANT OF A MAN.” R.I.P.