Clifford Mason

Clifford James Mason, 86, loving husband, father and grandfather, of Memphis, formerly of White County, died peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Methodist Hospital in Germantown, Tennessee. He was born in Paris, Texas on July 3, 1925 a son of the late James Edward and Margaret Mae Throckmorton Mason. Mr. Mason was a graduate of Bradford High School and, at the age of 18, joined the Army and served until the end of WW II. Most of his military service was spent in Italy in the 10th Mountain Division. Upon his return, he attended Memphis State College where he lettered in baseball. Clifford then went on to a brief stint as a minor league baseball player for the Greenville Mississippi Mudcats. Helping others was Clifford's calling and he demonstrated that gift through his career as an educator and guidance counselor, working for a number of years at the Memphis Area Vo-Tech. Although he had many interests and hobbies, Mr. Mason always put his family first in the decisions he made. He was a very talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and had recorded many of his songs. He was also an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and greatly enjoyed fly fishing. Clifford was also a huge Razorback fan and, through the years, enjoyed many games with his family. He was a long time member of the East Frayser Church of Christ and then attended the Quail Ridge Church of Christ. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and attended his church as long as health permitted. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Geraldine Mason; children, Narda Kirkpatrick (Scott) of Memphis, Brent Mason (Deborah) of Memphis, Darla Mason of Nashville, TN. And Rhonda Becton (Marty) of Memphis; brother, Grady Mason (Thelma) of Searcy; grandchildren, Frank Kirkpatrick, Holly Hayes, Edwin Kirkpatrick, Matthew Mason, Mary Ann Mason, Blake Becton and Eric Becton; great-grandchildren, Ava Zelinski, Nate Hayes and Kaylee Kirkpatrick. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Clint Mason, J.E. Mason and Elgia Patterson Roetzel and ½ brothers, Garland, Vernon, Shelby and Hershel Mason and ½ sister, Lorene Hays. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Bald Knob. Visitation will be prior to the funeral, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Velvet Ridge Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

Clifford Mason

July 3, 1925 - April 2, 2012