Robert Mason

Robert Lewis Mason (better known to his family as "Poochie"), 65, of Petersburg departed this life on Monday, March 24, 2014. Robert was born in Petersburg, and was preceded in death by his father, Robert Henry Mason; his mother, Fannie Allen Newcomb; a brother, Edward Henry Mason; and a sister-in-law, Linda Phelps Mason. Robert was a graduate of Petersburg High School. He worked for Wilson Trucking Company in Richmond for approximately 15 years. He then went to work for Maclin-Zimmer McGill in Petersburg processing tobacco for Philip Morris. Maclin-Zimmer McGill eventually merged with Philip Morris and moved their tobacco processing operations to McKenney where Robert worked until he retired from Philip Morris Processing, Inc. 5 years ago when they moved their operations overseas. Robert worked 3 years with the Petersburg Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringers. Even though Robert never would get a driving permit, he enjoyed traveling on vacations to Louisiana and Florida with his family. He loved being with his family and celebrating any special events with them. He is survived by a brother, Kenneth Wayne and wife, Linda Temple Mason of Colonial Heights; a sister, Peggy Overbey and husband, Robert; three nephews, Roger A. and wife, Cindy Crute Overbey; Robert W. and wife, Tammy Pulliam Overbey all of Nelson, Virginia; Donald W. Phelps of Petersburg; one niece, Carolyn Overbey Scott and husband, Malcom of Rougemont, North Carolina; one great-nephew, Daniel R. Overbey of Nelson; a special "Mother," Alice "Granny" Temple of Colonial Heights; one aunt; and several cousins. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with the Reverend Larry Briggs officiating, with interment to follow in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert Mason's memory to Nelson Baptist Church, 1837 Nelson Church Road, Nelson, Virginia 24580. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.