Mr. Norman F. Mason Jr., 101, of Finney’s Wharf in Onancock, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley. He was the husband of Sue Boggs Mason, to whom he was married for almost 75 years.
Born May 17, 1918, in Parksley, he was the only child born to Norman Fletcher Mason and Betsy Fowler Mason. Mr. Mason graduated from Parksley High School and was the only male in his class to start first grade and graduate without interruption. Mentored by his grandfather, Mr. Mason began farming at the age of 18, growing potatoes and raising chickens. He briefly worked at the Newport News Shipyard to supplement income for his young family and to help build his business. “Farming is in my blood,” Mr. Mason would say, as he remained active and interested in how crops were growing, until very recently due to his health. His son, David, farmed alongside his father and will continue Mr. Mason’s legacy.
Mr. Mason was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley, a longtime member of Farm Bureau, and member of Central Lodge #300, A.F. & A.M. Throughout his life, he enjoyed having conversations with friends, anywhere and at any time, as many can share those recollections. Mr. Mason had a sharp mind until his death, evidenced in vivid details of the stories he told.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his son, David F. Mason, of Onancock, two step-granddaughters, Rebecca S. Bresee and Christian S. Parks, and their families; and brother-in-law, Edward Boggs. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Beth Mason, in 2006, and daughter-in-law, Mildred Mapp “Millie” Mason in 2017.
A funeral service will be conducted at the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., with Mr. George Fulk officiating. A private interment with Masonic Rites will be held at the Onancock Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 156, Parksley, VA 23421, Onancock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 28, Onancock, VA 23417, or to Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
