Palestine, Texas - Billy Ray Mason, age 83, of Palestine, Texas, joined his Lord and Savior on New Years Day, 2026. Born and raised in Palestine to parents William Thomas "Bill" Mason and Frances Elaine Nash Mason, on the 18th day of May 1942, Mr. Mason was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Helen Crawford and Linda Jeffcoat.

Mr. Mason is survived by his wife Elizabeth Mason; sons, Troy Mason, Todd Mason, and Tony Mason and wife Suzie, all of Palestine, Texas; and his brother, Mike Mason of Tyler, Texas. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Zakk, Shawn, Breanne, Nick, Ashley, Austin, Brantley; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

A proud graduate of Palestine High School, Mr. Mason carried the lessons of his youth throughout his life. His career as a truck driver was marked by a remarkable achievement, having safely driven over a million miles. Mr. Mason was a United States Army Veteran and served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Crockett Road Church of Christ and attended faithfully until his health declined.

Mr. Mason will fondly be remembered for his love for early morning gatherings with friends at The Bird's Egg Cafe. His laughter and stories were as much a part of the breakfast ritual as the coffee and eggs. In his younger years, Mr. Mason was an accomplished basketball player, a talent he generously shared by coaching and refereeing little league games throughout his life.

Mr. Mason found joy in watching his favorite westerns on television. Shows like Andy Griffith and Gun Smoke were more than entertainment; they were a connection to the values he held dear—honor, justice, and the simplicity of good triumphing over evil.

Friends are invited to a visitation from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 6th day of January 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 7th day of January 2026 at Land of Memory Cemetery in Palestine, Texas. Dan Manuel and Ben Rhone will be officiating the service.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Parker, Nick Mason, Tony Mason, Todd Mason, Justin Ansley, and Kevin Warren.

Mr. Mason's journey on earth has ended, but the memories he created will continue to traverse the roads of our hearts forever.

Graveside services for Billy Ray Mason are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.