Stanley Allen Masters, 92, died Monday, May 26, 2008 after a brief illness.
A lifelong resident of the Beaverdam community in Asheville, Stanley was the son of the late Fred P. and Burr Palmer Masters. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, George Nelon Jr; and two sisters, Stella Miles and Christine Nave.
Stanley graduated from Grace High School and Blanton’s Business College and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier at age 55. His retirement years were filled with hobbies: family, gardening, bee-keeping, and music; he also worked part-time as a paint salesman in eastern TN. He believed that his garden was like heaven on earth, and he thanked God for letting him use this ground for a short time. He was generous in sharing its bounty, especially the tomatoes and turnip greens. He was recognized as a master mandolin player and was known around WNC as a member of the Memories Band. The band members, Dick Perkins, Louie Taylor, Elmore “Bo” Carter, Clyde Cable, Ann Perkins, and Stanley, spent countless hours volunteering and entertaining seniors in churches, hospitals and nursing homes. He has been a member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church since the age of 12. As late as April, he played his mandolin for the communion service. This gave him great pleasure to serve the Lord with music.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Martha Terrell Masters, of the home; daughter, Dr. Betty Nelon; son, Allen Masters and his wife Pat; six grandchildren: Steve Masters of Orlando, FL; Terry Nelon and wife Kimberly of Asheville; Lisa M. Brooks and husband William of NYC; Vickie N. Phillips and husband Jon of Augusta, GA; Michael Nelon and wife Ashley of Greenville, SC; and Mark Masters and wife Sherry of Asheville; five great-grandchildren: Christopher and Julia Nelon; Ian and Eli Masters; and Taylor Phillips; sister, Janice Atwood of Michigan; and special cousin and friend, Jack Palmer of Asheville.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 PM at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave. Services will be held at 3 PM on Friday, May 30th at Asbury Memorial UMC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Asbury Memorial UMC, 171 Beaverdam Road, Asheville, NC 28804.
