Vaughn Allen Mason

Vaughn Mason, known to many who loved him as Uncle Dolly or Candy, passed from this life on November 29, 2024. He was born July 23,1945 In Mobile, Alabama and lived in Tanner Williams for the last 50 years. He grew up on Old Shell Rd. and graduated from Baker High School in 1963.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Shields Mason, who was his friend and partner of almost 60 years in life and business. They have one daughter, Sherri Mason Adkisson (Doug) and three grandchildren: Maggie Mason Adkisson Spencer (Josh), Benjamin Adkisson, and Paige Adkisson. Vaughn is preceded in death by his mother Maggie Allen Mason and nephew Samuel Southerland, Jr.

Vaughn loved his family and friends whole heartedly. He was very proud to have his nieces Danielle Porter (Richard), Brandi Smith (Chip) and Michele Southerland Cothran (Tyler) and their families living close by and looked forward to their visits. Over the years Vaughn made friends that should have been family including Brandon Alexander who was Vaughn’s side-kick, helper and sharer of opinions, entertaining everyone who saw them together. Gerald and Linda Scott lived next door and were supportive, loyal friends who meant a lot to Vaughn. James Sonneville moved in rounded out Vaughn’s circle of close friends and family visiting, lending a hand and watching out for him and Mrs. Barbara over the last few years.

Vaughn was known for working hard. He went to trade school for HVAC training and soon went to work for Keith Air Conditioning in Mobile. He opened Mason Heating and Air Conditioning in 1975 with a two-tone blue Ford pick up and a determination to succeed that drove him to work long hours, foregoing vacations and relaxation, to make his business successful. Vaughn and Barbara ran Mason Air together as a strong team after her retirement from AT&T for over 20 of the near 40 years that he was in business. They retired and sold the business to the younger Keith’s at Keith Air Conditioning where Vaughn had started his career many years before.

Vaughn was a long time member of the National Cutting Horse Association and showed horses with Sherri for years and continued competing on his beloved horse Cowboy with his best friend Bernie Newberry and his “extra daughter” Marshay Pierce Robertson.

After retirement, Vaughn and Barbara bought an RV and a bass boat, traveled and had a lot of fun. He lived for the month of April and meeting up with the Mississippi Fishing Crew for the whole month fishing some, telling fish tales and loving life. He spent time raising cows and hay farming with his brother Phillip. Phillip Mason (Cindy) kept things running when Vaughn’s patience for broken things got the best of him. Vaughn and his brother Danny (Linda) spent many hours talking over coffee about their girls, Joni and Sherri, their husbands and the grandkids. Danny often fried oysters for Vaughn and he said they were the best he had ever eaten. They recently went on a trip to Gainesville, Alabama where the Mason family goes back many years.

Vaughn’s life was one of love for his wife and daughter, grandchildren, brothers and their families, and his many friends over the years. He worked hard and stood on principles. He spoke freely and lived by his word. His family and friends saw the love and kindness that Vaughn had for them and they knew he stood by them.