LAKELAND, TENN. — Alfred Fitzgerald Mason, 54, quietly passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, at his home in Lakeland, Tennessee. He was surrounded with love by his wife and daughter.

Alfred was born on Feb. 3, 1961, to the late Oscar and Doretha Mason.

He was a member of the Southampton High School Class of 1979. In 1983, Alfred earned a Bachelor in Science degree in finance from Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. Because of his inquisitive nature and love to tinker with gadgets, he obtained an associate degree in electricity/electronics from Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Virginia. Alfred was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and was initiated in the Lambda Nu Chapter in the Spring of 1994.

Alfred married the love of his life, Thelma “Claudette” Blunt, on Aug. 30, 1986. They made their home in Sebrell, Virginia, and raised a beautiful daughter, Lynette.

In 2001, Alfred and his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Alfred retired in 2013, after 30 years of employment with Union Camp, currently known as International Paper. At the time of his retirement, he was employed as a supply planner for the Industrial Packaging Business in Memphis, Tennessee.

At a very early age, Alfred professed his love for Christ and was baptized at the Zoar Baptist Church in Capron, Virginia. After moving to Memphis, Alfred joined the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He had a very close and personal relationship with God. He loved life and he loved people. Alfred never met a stranger. In fact, he had that certain zeal that drew others to him.

Alfred was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He loved so deeply and believed in demonstrating his love through cooking. He was a master at grilling ribs, chicken, boston butts, burgers and steaks. Alfred and Claudette shared his “special” recipes as they often opened their home to family and friends while visiting the Memphis area. In a city where barbecue and ribs are common staples, Alfred always boasted that “I cook the best ribs and barbecue in Memphis,” and he truly did! Just ask anyone who has visited with The Masons.

Alfred enjoyed life and you could often find him and Claudette enjoying a cruise with other family members and friends. He was an avid bike rider and took pride in riding his bike over 7,000 miles per year which were more miles than he put on his truck in an entire year. He worked hard to provide a quality lifestyle for Claudette and Lynette. He nurtured an atmosphere in the home in which love and peace always prevailed. Alfred was energetic, fun, loving and freely gave of himself. He worked hard and played just as hard.

Alfred was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Doretha Mason; his sister, Mildred Graves; and his in-laws, Gurnie and Thelma Blunt.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Claudette (affectionately known to him as his lovely wife); daughter, Lynette; and siblings, John Mason (Cynthia), Marion Mason, Barbara Mason, Shirley Mason Randall (Willie), Deborah Muhammad, Oscar Mason and Stephen Mason (Patricia); in-laws, Claude Knight (Theresa), Nora Dove (Rufus), Gurnie Blunt (Cynthia), Roger Knight (Phyllis), Larry Blunt (MeChelle), Ricky Blunt (Dorothy), Thea Blunt Lettley (Allen) and Jerry Blunt. Alfred also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be at Engram Funeral Home; 1001 Armory Drive, Franklin, on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at 6 p.m. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will conduct a memorial ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

The Celebration of Life will be in First Baptist Church; 318 Hall St., Franklin, on Saturday, Jan. 2 at noon. Interment will be at Southview Cemetery, Franklin.

Professional services have been entrusted to McClenny Funeral Service Inc.