Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

September 27, 2024

Ralph A. Mason, beloved husband, Dad, and grandfather passed away peacefully in Birmingham on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. He was born and raised in Selma where the foundation for his character was formed.

He treasured friendships that lasted all his life. Ralph and his wife were married for 58 years. They were the love of each other’s lives. Ralph is survived by his wife, Jane; their three children,  David (Mary) Meredith (Jon) and Claudia (Jeremy); four grandchildren, Jack, Abby Kate, Maddie Jane and Mack. Reflecting on their father’s influence, they recalled “Dad was always encouraging and supported us in all we did. He was the model father and PaPa.” Ralph was educated in Selma (Byrd school), graduated from Centenary College in Louisiana, received his Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Following college he entered the United States Army in March of 1962 and remained on active duty until December 1985. His assignments included command positions with infantry and Military Intelligence units at the battalion and senior level, plus senior staff postings on the Army staff in the Pentagon. In 1983, he was selected for the National War College in D.C. and served tours in D.C. Upon retirement, he spent 15 years working in the commercial satellite industry, the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Mason’s professional background includes a distinguished military career and private sector experience.

A celebration of his life was held in Birmingham and his burial service will take place in the Fall of 2025 in Arlington National Cemetery. He is remembered as a patriot; America salutes you. You stood the watch on Freedom’s frontier. Mission accomplished. We will take it from here.