Mason Frederick Day, Jr.

Friday, February 5, 2021

Mason Frederick Day, Jr. was born Nov. 4, 1925, in Dexter, Mo., and went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 31, 2021. He grew up in a loving family with father Mason Frederick Day, Sr., mother Sarah Rankin Day, and brother Walter Day. His family moved frequently, as his father was a baker who loved adventures.

Mason graduated from Blytheville High School in 1943 and honorably served in the Navy during WWII. He attended the University of the South and graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Engineering. Mason then returned home to work in the family business at Day’s Amusement Company.

In 1950, he married Elizabeth Louise Wilson (Betty), a young, beautiful teacher from Quitman, AR. Together they raised four children, purchased RD Hughes, Mead’s and Day’s Clothing Store along with opening Day’s Shopping Center. After 40 years of dedicated retail service, Mason sold Day’s Clothing and retired.

Mason received numerous awards, but one of his proudest accomplishments, as school board president, was helping to successfully integrate the Blytheville school system. He was a life-long Rotarian, a Lifetime Community Achievement Award recipient, served as president of Blytheville Unlimited and Chamber of Commerce president.

Whether they were celebrating election night at the American Embassy in Greece (good story!), or sitting at home with a wine glass in one hand, and Betty’s amuse-bouche in the other, they always had fun. They enjoyed each other’s company, delighting those in their presence. Mason was always a sharply dressed man who was never without one of his signature hats.

Mason is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty; his children, Mason Day III (Maudine) of The Villages, Fla., Sarah Day Smith (Sam) of Tulsa, Okla., Ellen Day McClure (John) of Rogers and Jane Day Tiller (Carlous) of Nashville, Tenn. Mason is also survived by grandchildren, Corbin Smith (Kasey), Keeley Ballard (Chris), Cole McClure (Angela) and Hayden Day Tiller, and four adorable great-grandchildren, Presley, Camdyn, Sheridan and Adelynn.

Private services are pending. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Bellarose in Tulsa, Okla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Humane Society, or your favorite charity.

Our father will always be remembered as a true southern gentleman, kind to all who crossed his path. His smile could light up any room. His laughter will live in our memories with the firm knowledge of his love of God and family. He left this world living his own Boy Scout motto – to leave everything better than the way he found it.

Until we meet again...we will see you in our dreams.

“Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid nor discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”