Danny “Ray” Mason Sr., 78, of Statesville, N.C., died Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Gordon Hospice House.

He was born in Alexander County on January 18, 1941, to the late Watt Jiles Mason and Ethel Shumaker Mason. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Versi Lee Adams, and a brother, Dalmer Mason.

Ray was a retired groundskeeper with the Iredell-Statesville Schools and had served in the U.S. Air Force. He loved to carve and whittle and enjoyed mowing grass. He was quick-witted and loved telling jokes.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Sherrill Mason; four sons, Danny Mason Jr, David Mason, Damon Mason (Robin), and Darron Mason (Christy); 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Annie Arrington.

A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, January 5, 2019, at 2 p.m. at New Amity ARP Church Cemetery with full military rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the New Amity ARP Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 127, Scotts, NC  28699 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Mason family.