Wallace Earle Mason

A true gentleman has gone on to his reward. Wallace Earle Mason, affectionately known as Wally, passed away at his home Sunday morning, February 1st, in Adamsville, Tennessee. He was eighty-five years old at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Elmer Mason and Emma Mason and by his brother Norman Mason. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Bert Munday Mason. Besides his wife he is survived by his brother, Ralph (Alice) Mason of Adamsville, Tennessee, a sister, Barbara (Al) Henning of Pinellas, Florida, a son Wallace J. Farrell of Massachusetts, five step-children; a son Joe (Juanita) Munday of Wasilia, Alaska; four daughters, Jennifer Munday of Seattle, Washington, Paula (Sydney ) Payne of Collierville, Tennessee, Pamela (Steve) Simon of Adamsville, Tennessee and Carolyn (Luis) Hernandez of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.



Wally was employed by the CCC in 1941 and enlisted in the Navy in 1942 serving his country from 1942-1946. He served on several ships, the last being the U.S.S. Hawkins. Wally achieved the rank of Gunners Mate third class during his service. Wally knew how to work. He worked for the Norfolk Paint and Varnish Company for five years following the war. He then decided that he would combine his love for work with the sea salt running through his veins and became a Merchant Seaman. Wally sailed the seas for over thirty years working as a loyal employee and member of the Seafarers International Union.



Wally retired to his home in Seattle, Washington where he and his late wife Myrtle lived and loved for forty-three years. Wally unselfishly and singlehandedly took care of his Myrt while that evil and relentless disease Alzheimer took her life and her body. After Myrt's passing, Wally began to make the adjustment to living life alone. A friend told him about a beautiful little red head from Tennessee that would often visit her daughter in the Seattle area. He got her phone number and began a long distance conversation that soon developed into a love affair that culminated in his marriage to Bert Munday in the year of our Lord 2002. When they married they hoped and prayed for five years together and the Lord blessed them with six.



There will be a celebration of life ceremony for Wally at the Adamsville Christian Church Thursday February 5, 2009 at 6:00 PM. Gary Henline and Joe Munday will be leading that celebration. Wally came to Jesus late in life and like all other things he did, he did it with all of his soul and being.



Wally set a standard so high that most men can't reach it. He was respectful to all and gracious in his speech and manners. Each time (yes, every time) he and Bert traveled by car, he would escort her to the passenger door, open it for her, buckle her in and kiss her before closing the door. He was a romantic each day and faithful to his wife to the end of his earthly life. He often wrote love notes to Bert on a white board that he had hung in a hallway just off their kitchen. This was his last note to Bert. "My sweetheart, if I had my way, there would be sunshine and love every day, just for you. Love you, Me." A true gentleman.