Earl L. Masters Jr.

1929 - 2018

On the morning of Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, Dr. Earl L. Masters Jr., DDS died peacefully at his home in Atlanta after a brief illness. He was 89 years old. Born on May 12, 1929, in St. Augustine, he was a direct descendant of the Solana family who were among the original settlers of St. Augustine. As a proud Alum of Emory University School of Dentistry (Class of 1953), he was an esteemed dentist who practiced prosthodontics for more than 40 years; opening with his first practice in St. Augustine in 1955 before moving to Atlanta in 1965 where he practiced until his retirement in 1998. He was a respected member of the Georgia Dental Association, The Hinman Dental Association and the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics. He continued his involvement with theses professional associations for many years after his retirement.

A true patriot, Earl held the unique distinction of having served in not one, but three branches of the United States Military. He first enlisted with the U.S Air force in 1953, after graduating from dental school, where he served two years of active duty. Subsequently, he joined the USMC Reserves in 1957. In 1976, Dr. Masters resumed his military service when he joined the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, where he earned the rank of full Colonel in 1982 and retired in 1996. As a long standing member of the Buckhead Rotary Club, he lived a life that embodied the Rotarian ideals of service in his personal, professional and community life and always strove to advance understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship with others. As a Rotarian, he applied his many talents, leading projects for Habitat for Humanity, the development of the Blue Heron Nature Preserve as well as the Equine Therapy Stables at Chastain Park. He will forever be remembered as a true southern gentleman, humanitarian, devoted husband and loving father-generous in spirit and deed.

He is pre-deceased by his three parents: his father, Earl (Ike) L. Masters Sr. his mother, Annie Laurie Masters (nee Roberts) and his beloved mom, Josephine Masters (nee Hardee) whom his father married following the death of Annie Laurie. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joan Kennedy Masters, seven children from their blended family Lawrence Masters (Marion), Robert Masters (Libia), Linda Masters Boatright (Lee) Robert K. Sturges (Elsira), Francine M. Sturges, Jeanne Holbrook (Tom) and Georgia D. Sturges (Joe Samora) and two grandchildren, Nick Masters and Stephanie Sturges.

A Mass of Catholic Burial was celebrated in memory of Earl on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30305 with the Rev. Monsignor Richard Lopez as Principal Celebrant. A private family burial followed at Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114.