Joe Dean Mason of St. Augustine FL was born 1948 in Springfield TN. He peacefully departed this life on November 3, 2026 at age 78, leaving behind a family that loved him dearly and will miss him more than words can express.
Throughout his working years, Joe was employed by BellSouth and AT&T before becoming self-employed through Mason Communications. He had a thriving business in telecommunications in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area. He was a hard worker and was proud of the life he was able to build.
Joe was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved racing, fishing, spending time outdoors, classic country music, and cooking on the grill, smoker, or fryer (he was famously known for his pulled pork and fried fish & shrimp). These were more than just interests or hobbies – they were opportunities to enjoy life, make memories, and spend time with the people he loved. In his earlier years, he spent a lot of his time involved in the local sport fishing tournaments, making his own offshore fishing rigs, hanging out on the docks of Camachee Cove with his buddies and participating in many of the Marlin Club events. He also took several trips to participate in offshore fishing tournaments in the Bahamas and Fort Pierce. Over the years, he had accumulated a showcase of trophies and accomplishments, all while doing something that he loved so much.
For the past 42 years, Joe shared his life with his beloved wife by his side, Grace Mason, of St. Augustine, FL. Being the man he was, he built the very home that they still have today. Without fail, every Sunday they shared the same love for NASCAR racing together, and he even tolerated her love for Jeff Gordon. They enjoyed visiting Tennessee and his hometown of Springfield, to include trips with just the two of them to enjoy the leaves changing color in the Fall. Their years together were filled with love, companionship, family get-togethers, and a lifetime of memories that Grace will forever hold close to her heart.
Besides his loving wife, Joe leaves behind two stepdaughters, Sheryl Billitz-Pappy (Larry) and Kathy (Trip) Harris; his three grandchildren Scott (Jamie) McElroy, Lauren (Dallas) Pappy, and Gracie Harris; and three great grandchildren Lexeigh Billitz and Kollins Pappy, and Isabella McElroy. Joe had playful nicknames for each of his grandchildren that he assigned with love and his family will always carry those names, and the smiles that they brought, within their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ann Mason, and his sister Judy Eversole, from Springfield TN.
Joe’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the lives of those who loved him. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the memories he made, and the love he gave so freely. Though saying goodbye is never easy, his family finds comfort in knowing he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus where there is no more pain or suffering, only peace. We imagine him in Heaven with the prettiest waters and biggest fish waiting, doing all things he loved, in a place where the days never end. Joe will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A private family celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date.
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This obituary was published by Craig Funeral Home.
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