Earl Franklin Mason

"Coach" Earl Franklin Mason, 90, of Concord, passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Coach Mason was born April 12, 1934 in Cabarrus County, NC, to the late Robert Alexander Mason and the late Blanch Pauline Furr Mason. He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Betty Jean Long Mason; and second wife, Birdean Burress Mason.

Earl was a graduate of Hartsell High School, Class of 1953. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. Earl was on the first-ever football team at Wingate College. He graduated from Appalachian State Teacher's College and later received his Master's Degree from UNC Charlotte. Coach Mason started his teaching and coaching career at Harrisburg High School and moved to the new Central Cabarrus High School, where he retired in 1994 as assistant principal and athletic director. He was a prankster and will be remembered for his smile and three-point shot. Coach Mason always had your back as long as you tried. Earl was active in the DAV and American Legion Post 51, where he also enjoyed playing cards. Some of his proudest accomplishments were being inducted into the Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame and having the basketball court at Central Cabarrus High School dedicated as "Coach Mason Court." 

Survivors include son, Rick (Margaret) Mason of Matthews; son, Scott (Kristy) Mason of Concord; daughter, Lori Mason Pinion of Concord; Greg (Christy) Mason of Mount Pleasant; step-son, Bobby Burress of Missouri; grandchildren, Brandon, Brooke, Caiti, Cara, Marcus, Michael, Chris, Bradley, and Zack; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

The Mason family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to his caregiver of four years, Sonia Filimonczuk; "adopted daughter," Karen McGinnis; and the many nurses and caring staff at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Westford Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Rodney Quesenberry and Rev. Jeffrey Rushing. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus (atriumhealth.org)or to the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org/donate)

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Mason family.