Merrill Mason

Merrill C. “Junior” Mason, 80, died Sunday, February 10, 2008 after a lengthy battle with emphysema. He was born October 25, 1927 and was the eldest son of the late Merrill C. Mason, Sr. and Minnie Starkey Mason. Mr. Mason was a lifelong member of Oak Level Baptist Church and resident of the Fork Mountain community, serving on the Volunteer Fire Department as a founder. Mr. Mason served his country in the United States Army in World War II. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Claudia Francis Mason of Fork Mountain; son, Dan Mason of Raleigh; daughters, Susan Medley and husband, Tony of Rocky Mount, NC, Sherri Mason and Tom White of Collinsville; grandson, Todd Clark of Sydnorsville; and a brother, Edward Mason of Collinsville. He was preceded in death by a younger brother, Clarence Mason of Martinsville. Funeral services will be conducted at Oak Level Baptist Church 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with Dr. Charles Lumpkin and Dr. Len Keever officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. His family will be receiving friends from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church and other times at the family home 3799 Virgil Goode Hwy (US 220) in Fork Mountain. In lieu of flowers, donations to Oak Level Baptist Church or to the Fork Mountain Fire Department are requested. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, VA.