Colonel
William H. Mason

United States Air Force Colonel (Ret) William H. Mason, beloved husband and father, died peacefully in his sleep early on Monday morning,  June 23, 2003, at his residence on Blackberry Road.  He was 82 years old.

Colonel Mason was born in Rusk, Texas on October 19, 1920, and attended local schools there entering Texas Technology College until he left to join the Army Air Force Cadet Corps in 1942. He served his country through  three wars, including World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

The recipient of numerous commendations and military honors; he was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

In his retirement, Colonel Mason owned and operated the Blowing Rock Airport Service, establishing that service in 1982. For many years he was a devoted member of the Blowing Rock Rotary Club and was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church of Blowing Rock.

Colonel Mason is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce, and five daughters - Martha Mason Thomas and husband Charles and their three children, David, Katie, and Claudia, Leigh Ann Mason and her son Lucien, Cary Mason Walsh and husband Dennis Walsh and their two children Mason and John, Claudia Mason and son, Brian, and Patricia Mason Schlesser, and husband Toni Schlesser and their two sons, Chris and Ethan and daughter Karen Schlesser.

A memorial service for Colonel William Mason was held at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock on Monday, June 30 at 3 p.m. Private interment of his ashes will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, with members of his family, prior to the memorial service.

Memorials may be made to either St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 14, Blowing Rock, N.C., 28605 or to the Blowing Rock Community Club, P.O. Box 166, Blowing Rock, N.C., 28605.