Lendale Ray Mason

Lendale Ray Mason, lovingly known as "PawPaw Lenny", 63 of Moneta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at his home leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship and devotion to family and community.  Lendale was born April 14, 1962 in Lynchburg, a son of the late Ray G. Mason and Josephine Mayhew Jacobs Mason.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Douglas Mason and a half-sister, Judy Overstreet Shields. 

Lendale lived in Moneta all his life and grew up next to the fire department.  Seeing those red trucks with red lights and sirens has been in his blood since before he was young enough to legally join the fire department.  He would often share tales of his mother taking him to the fire scenes in her personal car when the calls went out.  As a lifelong member of the department he served in many roles including President and Assistant Chief.  Among some of his cherished memories were the years he served under his father, Ray, when he was Chief of the department.  When the fire department was growing and was in the developmental stages of the station in the Diamond Hill area of the county to expedite turn out times, his home served as base to house the fire trucks to serve that end of the county.  He instilled in his daughters the desire to help others in their time of need through the many episodes of having them "run" calls with him.  They recall many times, sitting in his truck watching Lifeguard land somewhere and the pilots waving at the little girls.  Nothing made him happier than being able to ride in those fire trucks, dump trucks and heavy equipment or to spend down time camping.

In addition to his over forty years of service with the fire department, Lendale was employed by VDOT for twenty-five years and was Superintendent at the New London area Headquarters in Bedford County.  He was also owner of L. R. Mason Excavating and Hauling. 

Surviving is his wife of forty years, Marcia Dinkle Mason; his daughters, Jessica (Brandon Reynolds), Andrea (Ben Criner); his son, Dock Epperly (Christina); five grandchildren; Easton, Madison, Harper, Avery and Sophia; a brother, Greg Mason (Phyllis); three half-sisters, Hilda Craft (Jim), Peggy McCauley (Jim), Vickie Burley (Marshall); a half-brother, Douglas Jacobs, not to mention a number of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A special round of thanks to Diane Cunningham and Tracy Goodman for all the hours they spent caring for Lendale after his accident.  Additional thanks to all the family and community members who have provided such strong support over the past six months.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Lendale to the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department, 12737 North Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 or the Moneta Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 497, Moneta, VA 24121

Funeral services will be held at the graveside at Virginia Memorial Park at 11 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026.  The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 PM until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.