Claude "Mason" Arnold

Mason graduated from Murrah High School in 1963. He had a short visit at Ole Miss and graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton.

As a young entreprenuer, Mason co-owned the first of its kind, clothing store in Jackson called Oz Boutique. He was famous for sellling the first pair of bellbottom blue jeans in Jackson in the late 1960's.

Mason briefly taught school in Jackson, but his heart was completely set on the music business. He learned to play guitar from his good friend Bobby Maxwell while working with the band, the Wallabys. Nicknamed "Squire" by the band, he traveled with them across the USA. Mason wrote and recorded many songs in Nashville and Florida, released several CD's and was afffiliated with BMI. His first songwriting contract was with Malaco Records in Jackson, MS.

When Mason wasn't writing songs or driving fast cars, you could find him at the Porshe of Jackson dealership. He enjoyed visiting his friends there.

Mason has left us too early, we might say, but he would say "I'm going where the weather suits my clothes." (1968 Harry Nilsson's song Everybody's Talkin')

Mason leaves his sweet cousin, Margaret Ann "Maggie" Thomas Lee and his long time friend, Jo Lynn Michael, and songwriting buddy, Jerry "Banjo" Brooks, and many, many friends.

The funeral will be outside at the new Pavillion at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery on Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, MS on Monday, March 8 at 11:00 AM. Brother Ty Pigott from Woodland Hills Baptist Church will officiate.

Donations to Animal Rescue Fun are appreciated. ARF is located at 395 Mayes Street, Jackson, MS 39213.