Obituaries » Bernard M. Mason
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May 6, 1923 - April 28, 2016
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Bernard M. Mason, 92, of Brookneal passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Connie and Keith Joyce, of Hilton Head, SC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Thelma White Mason.
Mr. Mason was born in Charlotte County, May 6, 1923, son of the late Claude Davison Mason and Pearl Watkins Mason.
He is survived by two daughters, Carole M. Jones (Carroll) of Staunton, Connie M. Joyce (Keith) of Hilton Head, SC; one son, Steven E. Mason (Sharon) of Haymarket; seven grandchildren, Renee J. Herring, Lisa C. Baker, Jason M. Jones, Joanna J. Alletto, Kelly J. Hughes, Kimberly M. Poland and S. Todd Mason; he has 16 great-grandchildren to cherish his memory; one sister, Jean M. Medlin (Lew) of Waynesboro; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Reginald E. White (JoAnn) of Phenix; three sisters-in-law, Iris W. Guthrie of Brookneal, Thelma S. White of Alabama, and Becky C. White of Chase City.
“Bernie’s” family resided in New York City and Bridgetown, New Jersey, where he finished school. The family then moved to Washington, D.C. As a teen he was very active in the Boys Club of Washington and achieved a high ranking in the golden gloves in light weight boxing. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1942, achieving the grade of Sergeant. He was trained as a pilot and was selected to attend officers training school, where he completed the equivalency of one year of college. Upon being discharged in 1946, he began a career in welding, starting in the shipyards in Baltimore, MD, and later joined Local 602 Steamfitters, Washington, D.C., along with his older brothers, Wilbur, Ray, and Norman. All four following that career path until they each retired. Bernie retired in 1980 moving back to Brookneal full time. He was also a member of Albert Pike Masonic Lodge No. 33 and an active member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed using his talents in welding to help his neighbors with their farm equipment. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with everyone.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church by the Rev. Mike Teixeira with interment to follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal and at the residence other times.
Those wishing to make contributions in his memory are asked to consider Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 1101 Mt. Carmel Rd., Brookneal, VA 24528.