Debra Mae Bassett

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Debra (Deb) Mae Bassett (Hinckley) 60 of Live Oak Florida in a tragic side by side accident on February 14, 2026 in Live Oak, Florida.

Debbie was born on January 28, 1966 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to George and Eleanor Hinckley. She moved to Pinnellas Park, Florida when she was 6 years old. Her childhood years were filled with a warm family life, full of outdoor activities, spending summers in Massachusetts. Summers were filled with swimming, horses, finding things in the clouds and of course being entertained by Missy (dog) and Jackson (monkey) who would play and tease each other all day. Days were filled with laughter.

Debbie graduated from Pinnellas Park High School in 1984. After school Debbie had a fulfilling career as an accountant, her most recent job being with Ashley Tire where she was truly part of the family.

Debbie met her husband Ronald J Bassett Jr. in 1986.They were married March 17, 1990 at First Christian Church in Largo, Florida. They made Clearwater, Florida their home for 25 years. The past 11 years they have called Live Oak Florida their home where Debbie’s love of horses could flourish. Debbie’s love of horses began as a child and to have a home where her horses could just roam was truly a dream come true for her,

Debra is survived by her loving husband of almost 36 years Ronald (Butch) Bassett of Live Oak , Fl. her sister Diane Cruz, mother-in-law Beverly Cole all of Live Oak, Florida. Stepdaughters April Schmitz of Lebonan, Tenn. Shawn Bassett of Clarksville, Tennessee. Grandchildren Reagan, Ivory-Lynn and Khloi all of Tennessee. Nephews Peter Boffer and Ryan Boffer both of Live Oak, Florida. Nephew Kyle Hinckley, niece Karen Kenney, great niece Kristen Kenney, great nephew Camden Kenney all of Atlanta, Georgia. Her special cousin Holly Ketchum of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She also leaves behind many cousins and dear friends. She is also survived by her horse Sparkles, and dogs Sophie, little girl and Lea.

To know Debbie was to love Debbie!

She started pushing Butch around via the Alpine slide in Hancock, Massachusetts early in their marriage when she slammed the back of his cart and he went flying through the air and right off the concrete tracks. She never stopped pushing him around. One of the things he loved most about her.