Bernard Jed “Bo” Cassity, Sr., 86, of Huntsville, died Saturday. Bo was born in Mobile, Alabama and was the son of B. J. and Beatrice Cassity. He grew up in Mobile, graduating from Murphy High School in 1949. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a crew chief first at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, and then in South Korea during the Korean Conflict with the 6167th 5th AB Group from 1950-1954. After his military service, he worked for the United States Army Missile Command, retiring in 1991 after 35 years.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Huntsville. He was a 33rd degree Mason and member of the Helion Lodge Number One for over 50 years. He was also a charter member of the Cahaba Shrine, as well as a member of the Director’s Staff. A long-time lover of bluegrass music, he worked sound for numerous bluegrass bands in the area. Friends and family also remember his well-touted skills as a fish fryer for many Redstone Arsenal celebrations. He was a loving husband for 56 years, a devoted father and grandfather, and a treasured friend. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Cassity Mock, and his brother Cecil Sumrall Cassity.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Gentry Cassity, of Huntsville; son, Bernard J. Cassity, Jr. (Amanda), of Tuscaloosa; daughter, Allison Cassity Somers (Tom), of Huntsville; sister, Miriam Cassity Jarman, of Mobile; brother, Gordon Leon Cassity (Wanda), of Mobile; and grandchildren, Mary Grace Cassity and Bernard J. Cassity III of Tuscaloosa.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at First Baptist Church Chapel, Huntsville, with the service immediately following. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Mission Fund, or the Shiners Hospitals for Children.