Don F. Mason, Jr. entered into the arms of Jesus on Friday, December 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Ballad Health Hospice House in Bristol, Tennessee, following a lengthy illness.

Don was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Born in Florence, Alabama, in 1954, Don moved at an early age to the Proffit Acres community of Sullivan County. He attended Miller Perry Elementary School, Colonial Heights Junior High School, and Sullivan Central High School. An accomplished athlete, Don excelled particularly in football and baseball. As quarterback (#16) at Sullivan Central High School, Don set several school records that stood for many years. While in the 9th grade at Colonial Heights Junior High School, Don and Sally Russin were voted “Best All Around.” 

Don earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1976, graduating with honors. He went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration in 1979 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law later that same year. Don also attended Milligan College, where he played baseball during the 1973–1974 seasons. Don practiced law in Kingsport from 1980 until his passing, maintaining a general practice with a concentration in Labor and Employment Law. He was a trial attorney in state and federal courts and in all administrative forums. In addition to Labor and Employment Law, his practice included Discrimination, Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, Social Security Disability, and Civil Mediation and Arbitration. Don served as President of Legal Aid of East Tennessee from 2015 to 2016 and was a dedicated member of its Board of Directors from 2010 through 2020.

Outside of his professional life, Don enjoyed fly-fishing, music, and spending time with his family. A lifelong Christian, Don had a big heart and deeply cared for his family, his many friends, and others around him.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Don F. Mason, Sr., and his father-in-law, Wayland L. Roberson.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cynthia Mason, of the Preston Woods area of Kingsport, where they shared a beautiful life together; his beloved daughter, Kathryn Mason and fiancé  Aaron Keen; mother, Betty Hill Mason; mother-in-law, Marjorie Roberson; brother, Mike Mason and wife Lian; and his nephew, Max Mason and wife Jessie.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 4 pm until 5:30 pm at Colonial Heights Christian Church. A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow at 5:30 pm with a eulogy by Pastor Gabe Manis and will be officiated by Elder Gary Bush.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Legal Aid of East Tennessee, which serves a 26-county region with offices in Johnson City, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Maryville, and Morristown. Contributions may be sent to the Johnson City office at 311 W. Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, or by calling (423) 928-8311.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Mason family.