Marion E. Mason, 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at his home in the Bridgewater Retirement Community after a short period of declining health.

Mr. Mason was born May 5, 1932, in Spotsylvania County, Va., the son of the late Luther L. and Edith Snead Mason.

He graduated from Bridgewater College in 1953 and, on Aug. 8, 1954, married Joan Myers, a 1954 BC graduate.

For several years, he taught and served as a school principal in Botetourt County, Va., earning a master of education degree from the University of Virginia in 1959. He continued to value and promote education throughout his life.

In 1960, he embarked on a 35-year career with Leggett Stores, a department store chain in Virginia and neighboring states. Starting as an accountant, over the years he took on more leadership, retiring in 1995 as Leggett’s controller, treasurer and a member of the board of directors. He served a term as president of the Virginia Retail Merchants Association.

Mr. Mason brought that business experience to his alma mater when he joined the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees in 1986, continuing to serve as a Life Trustee until his death. He was active in a succession of fund-raising campaigns at the college, setting the example for prospective donors by establishing his own record of generosity. His loyalty to Bridgewater remained strong as he and his wife Joan attended many college activities. He looked forward to his role as an Eagles fan at athletic competitions, including bus trips to away football games as long as he was able.

The college recognized Mr. Mason over the years, awarding him its Outstanding Service Award in 1999, Outstanding Leadership Award in 2003 and, in 2015, the Ripples Society Medal in appreciation for his decades of involvement in campus life.

At Bridgewater Retirement Community, Mr. Mason again tapped into his business experience, serving on the BRC board of directors and chairing Bridgewater HealthCare Inc., BRC’s operating division.

At both the college and the retirement community, Mr. Mason could be counted on to offer a voice for steady progress, always considering the effect of decisions on each institution’s fiscal health. He was known and respected for a wit that was paired with an ability to disagree without being disagreeable.

Mr. and Mrs. Mason were active in the Church of the Brethren, and he twice served as moderator of the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren when living in Madison Heights and more recently as moderator of the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Mason is survived by a son, George L. Mason of Bridgewater; two daughters, Ann M. Mason of Falls Church, Va., and Karen L. Mason of Bellevue, Wash.; two brothers, Joseph M. Mason of North Manchester, Ind., and John H. Mason of Bridgewater.

He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Mason Norton.

His lifetime priorities might be measured by the contents of his wallet as sorted by his children – three photos (one of Joan as a lovely, very young woman, one of the three children, one of the family of five) and his pilot’s licenses (including the first one issued on June 3, 1965, and the most recent one issued in 2008). Family, flying his own plane and a keen interest in the weather were Mr. Mason’s lifetime passions.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lantz Chapel on the Bridgewater Retirement Community campus. Burial will be private.

Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to organizations Mr. Mason supported: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, Va. 24482, and Bridgewater Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Bridgewater, Va. 22812.