Age 86, Luray, Va.
Mason Coursey Lockridge Jr., 86, of Luray, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.
He was born on August 26, 1938, in Staunton and was a son of the late Mason C. Lockridge Sr. and Pauline Putnam Lockridge.
Mason was raised in Staunton, VA by his grandfather, Robert Lockridge, who signed for Mason to join the Navy at the age of 17. Mason often talked about the Navy and felt everyone that could, should serve their country.
Mason came to Page County in 1963 as a coach and teacher at Luray High School. He served Page County Public Schools for many years in various jobs. Principal at LHS was a favorite topic of conversation.
Mason played football at Ferrum College in 1959, baseball from 1960-1961, and competed with the College’s club volleyball team. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1963 and his master’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1969. He served in the United States Navy from 1955-1959 and worked for the Virginia Department of Social Services from 1961-1963.
In 1963, Mason was hired by Page County Public Schools, where he worked until 2001. He received the Lord Fairfax Community College Medallion of Recognition and was a 1969 charter member and treasurer of the Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was also a 1972 charter member and chairman of the Luray Soap Box Derby; the 1968 Luray Jaycee of the Year; and the 1976 Luray Ruritan Club Member of the Year.
Mason served as the Virginia State Athletic Directors Association newsletter editor from 1973-1976, and as the chairman of the Division 1A group of the Virginia High School League executive committee from 1980-1984.
Mason was a trustee for Page Memorial Hospital in Luray from 2005-2015, served as the Shen-Paco director from 2006-2011, and was a member of the Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery Board. He also served his community in 2004 as Page County District 2 Supervisor and as chairman in 2005.
Mason is survived by his wife, Pauletta Kite Lockridge, who was also his caregiver for many years. His first wife, Zora Wise Lockridge, passed away in 1992.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his son, Greg Lockridge of Luray; his daughter, Leanne Griffith of Luray; and three stepsons, Jamey Hansbrough (Jenny) of Harrisonburg, VA, Michael Hansbrough (Cami) of Medina, TN, and Jared Hansbrough of Arlington, VA.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Miles Lockridge, Zen Griffith, Brock and Avery Hansbrough, Max and Hannah Hansbrough, and Ryder and Wolf Hansbrough. One brother, Gary Lockridge (Susie) of Winchester, VA also survives.
Mason was a member of the Morning Star Lutheran Church in Luray, where he previously served on the council and various committees.
A Celebration of Mason’s Life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, at the Morning Star Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery in Luray.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in his name.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
Be the first to comment