Bill Mason, Sr.: Obituary

Obituaries

Bill Mason, Sr.

January 20, 1936 – May 22, 2019

Bill Mason, Sr., better known as “Junior” Mason, age 83, of Epworth, GA passed away in his home on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 following an extended illness. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence F. (Coote) Mason, Blanche Fortner Mason, and an infant son Jeffery Lynn Mason. He is survived by his wife Margaret Miller Mason and three children: Patricia Mason Pittman (Randy), Bill Mason, Jr. (Tammie), and Mary Anne Mason Bramlett. He and Margaret have six grandchildren: Ryan Pittman (Jaime), April Pittman McFarland (Tim), Mallory Mason Woodall (Wade), Mason Bramlett, Haley Bramlett Humphrey (Ryan), and Will Mason; seven great grandchildren, Cole Pittman, Garrett Pittman, Luke McFarland, Silas McFarland, Benjamin McFarland, Abram McFarland and Weslyn Woodall. Junior is also survived by one sister, Joyce Mason Mitchell, one special aunt, Midge Fortner Coats and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Junior co-owned Mason Tractor Co. from 1958 until 1998. He was one of the original founders of Peoples Bank of Fannin County formed in 1986 where he served as chairman of the board through the transition to United Community Bank, and he was chairman of the board of directors for United Community Bank at Blue Ridge until 2006. Junior also served on the board of directors for the Holding Company of United Community Banks, Inc. until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of Epworth First Baptist Church, a member of the Epworth Community Club, and he was proud to serve on the board of directors for the Fannin Scholarship Foundation.

Those who knew Junior best will attest that racing truly was his passion. He enjoyed the sport both as a spectator and as a car owner. He and his son raced go-carts through the seventies and dirt track cars from 1980 until the end of the racing season in 1994.

Junior and Margaret were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy traveling to many areas of the world with family and friends, and in his retirement years, living on his farm watching the cows graze and working the hay fields brought him great joy and satisfaction. Junior’s greatest treasure, aside from his family, was the friends he acquired along the way.

Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. from the First Baptist Church of Epworth with Rev. Chris Clark, Dr. Tom Jordan, Dr. Chan Mitchell and Rev. Ken Bennett officiating. Music was provided by Rev. Doug Simonds, Gary Farmer and Vernon Owenby. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Ryan Pittman, Mason Bramlett, Will Mason, Brad Mitchell, Joe Kimsey, Tim McFarland, Ryan Humphrey, Wade Woodall and Russ Kimsey. Nursery was provided at the church during the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Epworth Building Fund at P.O. Box 187 Epworth, GA 30541 or to Georgia Mountains Hospice at 70 Caring Way Jasper, GA 30143. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of the arrangements.

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