Paul A Masters

Paul A. Masters, Jr., 85, of Tampa, went to be with our Lord on Jan. 20, 2015. He led a joyous life of adventure, beginning in Netcong, NJ. While the Great Depression raged he had a milk route in high school during the week, danced to the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in New York City on the weekends, played baseball and was always the first person on the stream when trout season began. At 18, he joined the U.S. Air Corps/Force and served in Korea as an aerial photographer. While there, he was injured by a grenade and was medically discharged. He then entered a long, impressive career in construction, serving as project manager on landmarks such as the Air Force Academy football stadium in Colorado Springs, the USF Sun Dome, the OBGYN ward of Tampa General Hospital, The Marriott Hotel on West Shore Blvd. in Tampa; Waterman Hospital in Eustis, FL, the Jacksonville Jail – even traveling to Puerto Rico to oversee construction on a hotel and casino there. He retired at age 84 after working as Projects Manager for the City of Jacksonville for 17 years. While Paul would tell you he built "a city of buildings," he felt his greatest accomplishment was a large, loving family. He adored his kids and grandchildren with all of his heart. He was a kind, generous man who loved John Wayne movies, playing cards, watching football, fishing, eating a good meal and telling jokes. Survivors include his children, Diane McGranahan (Dennis) of Garden Grove, CA, Dianne Badgley (Robert), John Anderson (Belinda), Robert Anderson (Sandy) of Fort Myers, Donna Strickland (Bill) of Tampa, brother William Masters (Angie) of Parsippany, NJ, and more than 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren, including their spouses. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Masters, his father Paul Elford Masters, Sr., mother Ida Belle Masters, brother Bob Masters, daughter Debra Patti and grandson, John Anderson, Jr.Viewing will be begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Graveside ceremony will be 2 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 102nd Ave. in Bushnell. It is 50 miles north of Tampa off exit 309 (Webster). It's about one mile west of I-75. Services will begin at 2 p.m., but all attendees MUST be there no later than 1:45 p.m., as the cemetery is on a strict schedule.The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Legion Post #250, P. O. Box 218 Middleburg, FL 32068, Attn: John Ruark - Post Commander.