Roger N. Basham

Roger Nathanael Basham, 80, beloved husband, father, and granddaddy passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

He was born December 14, 1942, in Greenville, Virginia, a son of the late George and Abbie Epperley Basham.

Roger married the love of his life, Jane Riley, on December 2, 1961, and shared 61 joyous years together.

Roger enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and friends, and eating ice cream.  He was also an avid Yankees baseball fan.

All through his life, he never forgot his humble upbringing. He was so thankful for all the many ways God had blessed him.  Roger served the Lord in different capacities over his lifetime which included assisting in promoting gospel blue grass singings to reach people for Christ. During his illness, Roger continued to share with his caregivers the greatest love story ever told that God sent his Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins; was buried and arose on the third day. Anyone can accept Jesus as their savior by confessing their sins and believing in him.

Roger loved his family with all his heart and prayed for them daily.

He retired in 1993 from Dupont in Waynesboro after working 39 ½ years as an instrument mechanic.  

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by infant siblings, David Thomas Basham, Lois Anita Basham, and George Daniel Basham. In addition to his precious wife, Jane, he is survived by his loving son, Kevin, and his wife, Latisa who was his best buddy; his granddaughter, Kelsey Jackson who was the sunshine of his world and her husband, Tommy whom he loved and appreciated; and his three sisters that he loved dearly, Shirley Smith of Bunnlevel, NC, Bonnie Gilliam of Staunton, and Dana Leavitt of Staunton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Steeles Tavern.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Jackson, John Rohr, Rusty Riley, Tommy Riley, Tony Atkins, and Thomas Ewing.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Rob Marsh and the many doctors and caregivers who cared for Roger during his illness.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Faith Baptist Church Building Fund (620 Essex Drive, Staunton, VA 24401), Legacy Hospice (650 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Ste 310 Charlottesville, VA 22911), or to any dementia or Parkinson’s foundation.