Ronald N. Mason Sr.

He was born in Miami, Florida to Burton Murphy and Kathleen Mason. After spending his childhood as a native Floridian, he enthusiastically joined the United States Army where he served honorably for four years as an Air Defense Missile Crewman in Fort Bliss Texas. During that time, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and earned the designation of “expert rifleman”. Upon discharge, Ron joined the Tallahassee Police force, where he started a life of law enforcement and caring for the family he loved. Known simply as "Big Mace”, Ronald served the Tallahassee community honorably for more than three decades, becoming a recognized and exemplary leader in the community. His distinguished career in law enforcement led many in his extended family to follow in his footsteps in service to their community. Following retirement, Officer Ron continued to serve his community by delivering the daily traffic report to the community via local radio.

Officer Ron enjoyed spending time with his family including two sons, a daughter and grandchildren. His loving family and close friends affectionately knew him as "Poppy". Officer Mason will be celebrated for his bravery in service, his pride for the Police force and the way in which he honored his family and his country.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Jean Mason of Tallahassee, Florida; two sons Ronald N. Mason, Jr. (Karan) of Tallahassee; David Mason (Nata) of Boca Raton, and daughter, Natalie Mason Carlan of Tallahassee; and five grandchildren, Trevor Mason, Kylie Mason, and Chase Carlan of Tallahassee, Jake and Luke Mason of Boca Raton. He is also survived by his brother Donald Murphy (Vivian) of Orlando.

The Funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Culley's Meadowwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, where they will conclude. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Culley's Meadowwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.