Paul J. Mask

VALDESE - Paul Junior Mask, 84, of Connelly Springs, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at his home. He was born May 18, 1925, in Burke County to the late John Clarence Mask and Emma Page Mask. Paul was a life-long learner, developing his skills as an engineer, draftsman, machinist, welder and equipment designer. He retired from Synthetics Finishing of North Carolina. He was a member of the N.C. Society of Engineers and Newton Church of Christ. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Merchant Marine Corps after serving during World War II. He was involved in the earliest years of stock car racing as a driver and car builder. He was an avid outdoorsman and traveled as far as Montana, the Southwest and Alaska to hunt and fish. He had a passion for renovating old equipment. His family was his greatest joy, participating in family gatherings and sharing e-mails and photos. In recent years, Paul enjoyed woodworking and creating special birdhouses and other items for family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Paul David "Buddy" Mask. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Pauline Townsend Mask of the home; daughters, Patsy Hill Clegg and husband, J.R., of Houston, Texas, Jovita Mask and husband, Bill Lovin, of Apex and Janet Beckom and husband, Jim, of Granite Falls; sisters, Hazel Pecora of Baltimore, Md., Peggy Lowdermilk of Granite Falls, Billie Kaye Holland of Acworth, Ga., and Irene Williams of Lenoir; grandchildren, Clay Cline of Granite Falls, David Hill of Burlington, Pamela Hill Hutton of Baytown, Texas, and Amanda Beckom of Phoenix, Ariz.; and five great-grandchildren, Jordan and Tyler Cline, Millie Hamra, Bryn Hutton and Micah Lloyd. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, with Minister John Cripps officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday immediately following the service at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, N.C. 28690. An online guest book and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.