Billy Last Mason began his lifelong career in basketball, football and education right here in Wilmington.
He was born in Wilmington on Jan, 5, 1927 and, after a short illness, Mr. Mason died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at Trinity Grove.
At an early age, Mr. Mason developed an aptitude and love for sports, especially basketball, at the Brigade Boys’ Club. Once he got to New Hanover High School he played on both the basketball and football teams until his education was put on hold while he proudly served his county in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII.
He returned to New Hanover in 1947 to complete his senior season and helped the Wildcats to Coach Leon Brogden’s first state basketball championship and led the state with his scores. Following his graduation Mr. Mason accepted a basketball scholarship to Campbell College, now Campbell University, where he led his team to an N.C. Junior College Conference Championship and to a berth in the National Junior College Basketball Tournament, earning All-American Honorable Mention honors.
He also started at the end for the Campbell football team and was recognized for his athletic exploits when he was inducted into the Campbell University Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. After his graduation from Campbell, Mr. Mason attended Wake Forest College on an athletic scholarship where he participated in basketball and as a sprinter/hurdler on the track team.
After college, Mr. Mason accepted a position as a teacher and coach at Lake Forest School, beginning his 37-year career with the New Hanover County school system. In addition to his service at Lake Forest, Mr. Mason earned his master’s degree in Administration from East Carolina Teachers College, now East Carolina University, and became principal at Washington Catlett School, Bradley Creek Elementary School, Tileston School, Roland Grise Junior High School and New Hanover High School. He ended his career serving as Associate Superintendent for 11 years.
Mr. Mason was proud of his longtime civic work and membership in the Wilmington Lion’s Club, serving in many capacities including Club President, District Governor and delegate to numerous International Conventions. In 1984, he was the recipient of the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine awarded by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. He was also a faithful servant at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Among his many positions in the church were president of the Church Council, financial secretary and most recently as the unofficial greeter and “candy man.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Thomas Mason and Mamie Ella Mason and siblings, Dorothy Mason Dellinger, Marion Thomas Mason, Jr., Gladys Ray Mason Hales and Carl Edward Mason.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Anne Green Mason; sons, Billy H. Mason and wife, Deborah and Michael E. Mason and wife, Patt; and grandchildren Allen, Eric, Margaret and Lee.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at the Market Street Chapel of Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. A service celebrating Mr. Mason’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6th and Market Streets, Wilmington, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 North 6th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 or the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, P. O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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