Stephen David Mason, 54, of Palmer, AK, passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 in Palmer, AK.

Born in Macon County on October 31, 1956, he was the son of Catherine Franks Mason and the late Carl David Mason. He was grandson of the late Will and Perry Mason and also Tillman and Jessie Franks of Franklin. Stephen was of the Baptist faith and worked as a long distance truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two brothers, John R. Mason and Boonie Mason of Franklin and one sister, Carletta Bryant (Freddie) of West Virginia. Four children, Crystal Mason of Franklin, David Mason (Corryn) of Palmer, AK, Dustin Mason of South Dakota and Melissa Mason of Hawaii. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends that love him and will truly miss him.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011 in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home with Reverend Rickie Potts and Reverend Morris Tippett officiating. Burial will be in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Sylva, NC.

The family will receive friends from 7-9:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Gary Franks, Bobby Franks, Harold McGaha, Jeff Clark, Ben Fitch and Chad Welch.