James Ronald Mason II

A memorial service for James Ronald “Ronnie” Mason, 68, of Anniston will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at St. Michael and All Angels Church with Rev. Hugh B. Jones Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Lagarde Hall. The family will also receive friends at the visitation on Sunday, October 13 at Gray-Brown Service from 5-8 pm.

Survivors include wife Lucia Brinkley Mason; daughter, Laura Elizabeth Mason; sons, James R. Mason III and wife Anne-Marie, and Steven Hughes Mason; cousins, Teri NeSmith, Debra Johnson and Stan Vaughan.

Mr. Mason is preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert A. and Allie Golden Sparks; Henry “Dick” and Fannie Elizabeth Mason; and parents Henry Hughes and Ruth Sparks Mason; and beloved Aunt, Helen Sparks Vaughan.

Mr. Mason was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam Conflict and was the recipient of a Purple Heart. After his military service, Mr. Mason began his business career with FMC Corporation, where he worked both domestically and internationally. In the early 90’s Mr. Mason returned to live in Alabama, where he attended Jacksonville State University and earned his Master’s degrees in History and Public Administration. Mr. Mason was an avid reader, with American and military history being among his favorite subjects. Mr. Mason was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. He loved singing, golfing, and Alabama football. In his retirement, Mr. Mason devoted many hours to helping other Veterans access vital government benefits. He was a loving husband, father and friend, and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well as St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.