Eugene Jamison Mason

Eugene Jamison Mason, of Salem, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 20, 2012. He was 89 years old and a resident of the Oaks at Richfield Retirement Home in Salem, Virginia for the last four years. Eugene was raised on a farm in Mine Run, Virginia in a strong Christian home, attending Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He was a WWII Veteran, drafted into the Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater of WWII. Upon his return, he married his childhood and high school sweetheart, Ruth Naomi Davis, in 1946. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in March, 2012. Eugene led his family with Christian values and character. He was a devoted husband and best friend to his wife, Naomi, and nothing less than the very best father to his son, Robert Eugene, born one year after Eugene and Naomi were married. Together, they raised Robert to know the true meaning of family and this legacy will continue for generations to come. Mason worked for Western Electric in Northern Virginia for 40 years. He was also an avid golfer and loved sports. He loved Washington Senators baseball, later the Washington Nationals, and Sundays were reserved for Washington Redskins with the family. Soon after retirement, he and his wife, Naomi, moved to Stephens City, Virginia to be closer to his son and granddaughters. Eugene was described as the strong and silent type who had the respect of everyone who met him and those who knew him. He lived life to the fullest, he loved to laugh, and he was always making others laugh with his quick wit. He won over everyone he met with his charm, genuine nature, and his love for others. He was predeceased by his grandparents who raised him, A.J. and Ella Mason; and his father and mother, Walter and Mildred Mason. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Naomi Mason, of Salem, Virginia; their son, Robert Mason of Bedford, Virginia; his granddaughters, Sara Becky Starkey of Fredericksburg, Virginia and Cristy Spencer of Roanoke, Virginia; and his great-grandchildren, Emery Leigh and Nicholas Mason Starkey and Elizabeth Mason and Turner Jamison Spencer. The family would like to thank the staff at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem (3rd floor west) and everyone at the Oaks Richfield Retirement Community for their love, care, and support of Eugene and continued love, care, and support of Naomi. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Our love will continue to grow until we see you again. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens in Roanoke with Pastor Scott McLucas officiating. Anyone who would like to express their sympathy may send a dedication in honor of Eugene Mason to Mine Road Baptist Church in Mine Run, Virginia at 11111 Post Oak Road in Spotsylvania, VA 22551. The Mason family was served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.