William Mason Mallory

William Mason “Bill” Mallory, 87, of Macon, Georgia passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 11, at 2 pm at Riverside Cemetery in Macon with Dr. Laudis “Rick” Lanford officiating.

Born in Suffolk, Virginia on August 30, 1938, he was the son of the late William Atkinson Mallory and Frances Pollock Mallory.

Bill was a man of many interests, with a quick wit, wise answer, and a knack for finding things. He loved a good map, a long novel, a hearty discussion and chocolate chip cookies. He lived a life of exploration, with an uncommon ability to turn his hobbies into a rewarding career. After earning his Master of Science in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bill served as a Cartographic Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis and produced maps for the first astronauts in the Mercury space program. He later found oil deposits off the coast of Louisiana for Amoco before moving to Sandersville, Georgia where he spent decades searching for “white gold” in the Kaolin Belt. Washington County, Bill would say, was the best place he ever lived, filled with salt-of- the- earth folk, lasting friendships, and work he thoroughly enjoyed. He served as president of the Georgia Mining Association, was appointed to the State Geology Board and was an active member in the Sandersville Rotary Club.

Bill later moved to Macon to be closer to family, especially his grandchildren. In retirement, Bill painted, took up woodworking, wrote a book, hiked and never stopped learning. He did not believe in boredom.

Bill was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for 65 years, Linda Doak Mallory.

He is survived by his children, David Mallory (Robin) of Cartersville, Georgia, Mark Mallory of Macon, Georgia and Melinda Moody of Macon, Georgia. Grandchildren Aaron Mallory, Daniel Mallory (Allison), Hannah Noll (David), Heather Mallory, Charlotte Moody and Mallory Moody.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snows Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of the arrangements.