George W. Mason III's Obituary
George W. Mason III passed away In Fayetteville on April 18, 2020 at 11:30 am. It was a beautiful spring morning and the sun was shining. He was born on April 28, 1945, the oldest son of George W. Mason Jr. and Mary Arden Mason (Bozeman). “Papa George” was a lifelong resident of EL Dorado and had moved to Fayetteville in later years to be close to his family. He began a second life of sorts and engrained his wit, passion and character into the many friendships he developed, but his heart never left south Arkansas. He was an attorney and practiced law for more than 40 years, with all of it devoted to representing the poor, disenfranchised and lost. He grew up in and was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado, where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He also traveled with the church to South America to perform missionary work. He was a devout believer in Jesus Christ and always took the side of those in need. He was the first in the room to stand up to injustice. He was an eagle scout and carried the love of outdoors with him his entire life. He loved camping, fishing and being on the Ouachita River. He was a great storyteller and the bearer of his family’s history. He loved grilling outside, listening to nature and pontificating the great mysteries of life. He was an avid reader of science, astrology and philosophy. He loved music of all types. He preferred it live and always loud. He loved to dance. More than anything he loved animals. He never went a day in his life without a dog by his side. He also had more than his fair share of cats which inevitably slept on his chest. On the day of his death he had a box of kittens in his bedroom. He also kept horses which he occasionally rode but mostly just fed apples and carrots and liked to pet. Papa George was a character like no other. He was incredibly smart, and his wisdom continues today in the many lives he touched. He was also stubborn and difficult beyond comparison. He took pride in all these qualities and attributed many of his personal gifts, as well as flaws, to being born a Taurus. Above all else, he lived his life on his own terms and for that he is an example to us all.
Papa George is survived by his sister Mayline Biltoff of South Dakota, his brother James Mason and wife Janice of New York, his sons G. Chadd Mason and his wife Amy of Fayetteville, Jerod Mason and his wife Nisha of Philadelphia and Chauston Mason of Fayetteville. He has three grandchildren, Georgia Mason Searcy of Dallas, Caroline Mason of Fayetteville and Jack Mason of Fayetteville. He would want it to be known that he is also survived by his dog Judy, cats Fay Ray, Fluffy and Little Gray; as well as his horses Iris, Stanley and Truman. Finally, he is survived by his caregiver Teresa Wade and her son Nathan, whose love and dedication to him are remarkable.
A memorial service will be held in Eldorado Arkansas at the First Baptist Church, with a celebration of his life to follow. The time and date will be announced via newspaper and social media as soon as the arrangements are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Fayetteville or Springdale Animal Shelter in Papa George’s name.
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