Thomas Mason

Legacy of Love The abiding love of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend. Thomas Buck Mason was born on August 27, 1933, in Norlina, North Carolina to Johnnie C. Mason and Eva Williams-Mason. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, two of his children, one of his granddaughters, three step-children, his parents, and six siblings. Thomas joined the church and was baptized at an early age. He attended grade school in Norlina, NC, and High School at the Henderson Institute in Henderson, NC. At 15 years of age, he sang gospel with the Humming Jubilees and the Diamond Jubilees until he entered the military, where he formed his own group, the 4th Army Gospeliers from Fort Polk, LA. He was sent to the front lines in Korea where he manned a 63-ton, 155-millimeter gun-mounted tank. “We were rated number one!” Although his unit was over-ran by both Korean and Chinese Soldiers, he made it home safely at the completion of his tour. Upon his return, he married Norma Grace Holmes in Natchitoches, LA. To this union was born Michael Ray, Sandra Diane, Carolyn Denise Mason, and Kaytherine Ann Mason. He later moved to Dallas, TX, where he formed a group called the Dalenais, attended medical school at Baylor University Hospital, and graduated as a medical technician. He later relocated to Newark, NJ with his family. There he worked with the Pinkerton Detective Agency until he was qualified to attend the Newark Police Academy. He worked for the Newark Board of Education until he was injured on the job. Also, while in Newark he sang with the Angelic Gospel Choir of Nutley, NJ, and the Gospel Clefts with Leon Lumpkin and recorded with both groups. Walk On, Lord I’ll Go, Lead Me Guide Me with Reverend Lawrence Roberts, and By the Waters of Babylon with Professor Leon Lumpkin. Being blessed by God he moved to Richmond, Virginia, and became the Road Manger and sang with the Blind Boys from Talladega School, Talladega AL, “Johnny Fields” was manager whom was married to Thomas’ first cousin Mattie Fields”. They travel throughout the United States and overseas. While in Richmond with his wife Emma Jean Mason, he belonged to the Saint Paul Baptist Church, where Reverend Watson was Pastor. He leaves behind a legacy of honor and love to his children to carry on: Michael R. Mason (Venessa), Stanley C. Murphy, Sandra D. Mason, Carolyn Buggs, Kaytherine Simon, Aubrey T. Phillips Sr. (Maria), Janet B. Scott, Paula Mason, Hakim A. Mason (Zakkiyya), Barbara Smith, Thomas R. Mason, Timothy Mason (Venus), Tommy Mason, and Nakia Mason (Henry). He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews; along with a brother-in-law, Lankston L. Austin (Mary). Thomas was extraordinary accomplished in all areas, quick-witted, handsome, strong, loving, an intellectual, charming, remarkable man that lived life to the fullest. He will be missed beyond measure by his family and dear friends that loved him. ~ The Family ~

Tributes

Thomas Mason

August 27, 1933 - June 20, 2023