Sidney D. Mason

Sidney D. Mason died peacefully at Bonneywood, his home in Rocky Mount, Virginia, at the age of 93 on Thursday, August 19, 2021. To his family, “Pop” was a loving husband, dad, grandad, and great grandad. He was a generous friend, passionate community builder and active church leader.

Sid was a native of Tennessee and a graduate of Carson Newman College, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. While there, he met and fell in love with and then married Dale Witherington. Sid spent the next 21 years with the DuPont Company in the Textile Fibers Division. As their family grew Sid and Dale spent these years moving and making friends wherever DuPont sent them. Ultimately, he became plant manager in Waynesboro, Va.

Wanting a more permanent place to call home, Sid moved his family to Roanoke, Va. and went to work for Roanoke Mills which later became part of the Tultex Corporation. Soon after, he decided to purchase a small sewing plant in Rocky Mount, Va. and Virginia Apparel Corporation was founded.

During the following years as Virginia Apparel grew and became a successful part of Franklin County life, Sid continued to be involved with Rotary International serving as 7570 District Governor 1977-78. He was also active with Franklin Memorial Hospital and served as Chairman of the Board. He supported education by serving on the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College and his alma mater, Carson Newman College. He was instrumental in establishing the Franklin County YMCA. Next to Virginia Apparel as a family business, he was most proud of being an original founder and stockholder of Carter Bank & Trust. He served on the Board of Directors for 43 years.

In his retirement years Sid planted and harvested a garden large enough to share with many friends and family all over Franklin County.

Sid was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dale Witherington Mason. He was also preceded in death by Elaine Shifflett Mason, his wife of two years and his very special friend, Annie Martin, at Brandon Oaks. If anyone could say that “A dog is man’s best friend”, it would be Sid. Unfortunately, his “Best Friend”, Mitch, also preceded him in death.

Surviving are his three children, Betty Thorp (Dave), Tom Mason (Becky), and Marianne Jordan (Bill). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Travis Thorp (Erin), Taylor Thorp (Karla), Jessica Cote (David), and David Mason (Elizabeth). Sid was also blessed with 7 great- grandchildren. His sister, Marian Mason Bibb, as well as many nieces and nephews are also among his survivors.

The family would like to thank Franklin County Hospice, especially Nurse Sharon. They are also grateful to his special caregivers, Dominique Brown and Jessica Davis.

At Sid’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life is being planned by his family. Memorial gifts may be given to Franklin County Hospice or Franklin County YMCA. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. Online condolences may be made at www.florafuneralservice.com .