John Bassett III

John Bassett III was the son of Doug Bassett who became President and CEO of Bassett Furniture. He grew up in wealth, luxury and fame. He was born in Horsepasture, Virginia, during the flood of 1937. It was the happiest day of his father’s life. Young John was viewed as arrogant – the rich man’s kid who had no worries about his future.

John was different than other members of the Bassett family. He was an independent thinking young man who after graduating from college elected to join the Army instead of taking his rightful place at the family business. He had a three-year tour in Europe where he served the country in the day time and partied at night. After returning home, his family was upset that he had a close relationship with a German girl that he wanted to maintain. Eventually, his family...