Ronald Lee Mason

Ronald Lee “Bunk” Mason, 91, of Victoria, died Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Bunk was born and raised in Midway, Charlotte County, VA, a place that always held a place in his heart. Bunk’s parents were Fernanda Henry Mason and Essie Johnson Mason. Siblings Haywood, Willard, and Dorothy all preceded Bunk in death.

Bunk lost his wife, Judith “Judy” Blackburn Mason, in September 2025 after 67 years of marriage and his daughter, Susan Mason, in 2016.

On a friend's recommendation, Bunk drove from Charlotte County to Victoria early one morning in 1955 to apply for a job with the Virginian Railway. Because he was only 20 years old at the time, the trainmaster handed Bunk a permission form for his father to sign. Bunk drove back to Charlotte County, got his father’s blessing and signature, and returned to Victoria with the required paperwork in hand. The trainmaster told Bunk that he was hired as a brakeman and to report at 5:30 the next morning. Bunk was assigned to a Norfolk-bound coal train for his first day of training. In 1958, Bunk made conductor and many miles later, retired from Norfolk Southern in 1995 after 40 years of service

When word spread of the possibility of a golf course being built in Victoria in the 1960s, Bunk quickly stepped up to help build that course and soon found himself volunteering for jobs ranging from getting up rocks to building greens, and prepping for a water system. After retirement, Bunk was elected president of the Victoria Golf Course, holding that position for 24 years.

Bunk was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Blackstone, VA.

Surviving Bunk are his children Connie Mason Moss of Blackstone, Catharine Mason of Caen, France, and Ronald Lee, Jr “Ronnie” Mason and daughter-in-law Crystal of Crewe. Bunk was also Papa to ten grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bunk’s family is forever grateful for the years of loving care provided by Teressa Overton as well as the heartfelt services provided by Deborah Craven, Lunenburg Health Services. Gratitude is also extended to the staff of Heritage Hall for providing outstanding care.

In place of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to Lunenburg Health Services, P.O. Box 121, Victoria, VA 23974

A memorial service honoring Bunk's life will be announced at a later date.