ROY LEE MASON
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Roy Lee Mason. He has touched the lives of many as a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, son-in–law, brother-in-law, church member, neighbor, classmate and friend.
Roy was born on October 27, 1923 to the late Robert Lee Simpkins and Susan Mason. He lived on Church Road in Accomac, VA, most of his life. On Wednesday, December 16, GOD in HIS infinite wisdom, decided to call him to his heavenly home.
He was educated in the Accomack County School System. His education was cut short in order that he could financially help support his family by entering an occupational field. During World War II, Roy entered the U.S. Army when he was old enough and served for several years on active duty. A few years ago, he was identified as a Buffalo Soldier.
In his younger years, he was skilled in carpentry work, in which he was trained by his father. Roy and his father, Robert “Sonny” Simpkins renovated Roy’s family home. Shortly after returning from the service, Roy met and dated Margie Ruth Savage. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 21, 1952, and they remained married until God called Margie to her heavenly home on February 26, 2002.
Roy was employed with the Virginia Department of Transportation and retired after 40+ years of service. He was a motor grader operator. During those 40 years, he shared many fond memories: driving the motor grader across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; working many snowy days and nights clearing the road for the county residents, and working on and building lots of roads during his tenure. After retiring from VDOT, he worked for Mr. Wilford Custis, still driving the motor grader and building roads and driveways.
Roy was a lifelong member of Macedonia A.M.E. Church. He accepted Christ at an early age and continued to be active in the church until his transition. He was a member of the Senior Choir and Men’s Choir. A few years ago, he was named Macedonia’s Man of the Year and was honored at the Virginia Annual Conference. He also served as a trustee for a number of years.
Roy loved life and people and he was a true servant. Although he could not do all the things he was able to do years ago, he was willing to share his knowledge with others and help whenever he could. Roy was still very active and did not let any grass grow under his feet. Roy always had faith in God and he delighted in discussing His Word. His Christian spirit endeared him to many members of Macedonia.
Roy was also preceded in death by brothers, Robert and Wilson Mason and sisters, Thelma Joynes, Mildred Custis, Catherine Mason and Cecile Johnson.
Left to cherish his memory in their hearts are his loving daughters, Lynada (Roscoe) Pender of North Chesterfield, VA and Laverne (Jonathan) Ames of Midlothian, VA; two granddaughters, Shamika Pender and Latia Mason; two great-grand children, Mariah and Isaiah Mason; two brothers-in-law, Leroy Bundick and Shelley Allen; two sisters-in-law, Doris Mason and Dorothy Allen, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, including Ms. Julia Beckett and her extended family.
