Mark Mason
11/29/2025
Mark Mason, 73, of Piney Flats, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 29, 2025. He was born January 11,1952 in Kingsport, TN. He was the son of Betty and Dwight Mason, both deceased.
Mark was an avid basketball player, an empowering coach and respected mentor. After a stellar high school playing career at Sullivan East High School, he played college basketball at ETSU and Carson Newman College. Known widely as “the Marksman” he was celebrated for his shooting skills and delighted in sharing his passion and skills with basketball players of every age.
After starting his coaching career in Knoxville, he soon returned to his high school alma mater, Sullivan East High School, to coach boys basketball. His legacy on the court and in the classroom can be found in the many players, students and assistant coaches who credit him in who they are today. He guided many players' confidence and skills by emphasizing character and integrity on and off the court. After retiring from Sullivan East High School, his love for the game continued as he coached and developed players at his first alma mater, Mary Hughes Middle School. Beyond the school setting, Mark conducted countless shooting camps and enjoyed working with promising players one on one.
Mark was a graduate of Carson Newman College (B.S.) and ETSU (M. Ed). He taught World History and Current Events. As a lifelong learner he focused on developing a deeper understanding of world history and his faith.
Mark was a member of Grandview Christian Church and recently started teaching Sunday School with his wife Karen.
In addition to his wife Karen, he is survived by two brothers, Bryan Mason and wife Becky, John Mason and wife Jeannine, all of Piney Flats. Nephew Kevin Mason and children Lynnea and Waylon of Denver, Colorado, special friends Angie, Andy, Addie and Braden Wilhoit, Kyle Trivett and many cousins.
The family will receive friends Monday, December 8, 2025, from 4-6:45 at Poplar Ridge Christian Church, 206 Poplar Ridge Church Road, Piney Flats, TN. The funeral service will follow at 7 pm with Pastors Aaron Wymer and Evan Wolfe officiating. A private burial will be held.
The family would like to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support during this time and would like to suggest, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mark’s memory to Family Promise of Greater Johnson City, 215 W. Watauga Ave #4, Johnson City, TN 34604.
Condolences may be sent to the Mason family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
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EULOGIES & CONDOLENCES
Dear Karen my heart breaks for you at the sudden death of Mark. Praying for you to feel God’s love during this difficult time of loss?❤️
12/08/2025
Marvin and Kim Gurley
Sending our condolences to your family and are so very sorry for your loss. Mark was a wonderful man and influenced many lives. He was such a gifted man in basketball, coaching, and a genuine and kind person and will truly be missed by many. We are praying for peace and comfort for your entire family.
12/08/2025
James (Bob) Copas
Coach Mason, a great man, true legend in the ball word, he had the biggest impact on me when I was younger, I'm coaching at Mary Hughes Elementary now sharing the knowledge and the game we both loved, I'll never forget all the little thing that counted the most. Shoot ball in the Golden Hoops now coach
So many memories of you. It was a privilege & blessing to be on the same court shooting hoops with you & Toonie.
Love you brother,
Pigeon Cross
My heart and prayers go out to Karen and family. Mark was an extraordinary person who I thought the world of not only was he my coach but he was my friend. Rest in peace Coach love you.
Karen I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.
12/05/2025
Rachelle Reeves Mogg
Karen, so sorry for your loss.
Karen, so sorry for your loss. Sending my love and prayers to you and the family from Perth, Western Australia xx
Sending comfort and peace to Karen and the entire Mason family. Mark was a special person who was my teacher in junior high at Mary Hughes and later a coach and mentor for my children. Mark took the time to visit our home just to shoot ball with Garrett. We knew him as our teacher and coach but he was so much more. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he has touched. Thank you, Mark. May god bless.
Karen I am so sorry for the passing of Mark. I will be praying for you and your family.
May His Grace and Peace comfort the family. Mark, you were a hero to me and so many others not just because of your skills but your example as a Christian and your morals you stood upon and the compassion you had for others. I’m a better man because of your influence upon my life. Thank you brother, I’ll see you soon as we praise our Lord for eternity.
12/03/2025
Dylan K Hicks. “Hicks”
My condolences to the entire family. He was truly a legend, great person, one of the best anyone could ask to have as a coach, and reigns supreme as the best shooter I’ve ever seen pick up a ball to name a few things. I’ll never forget you teaching me how to actually shoot a ball instead of throw it, playing “string” from the free throw line into the high double digits everyday after practice. I’ll think about lessons you’ve taught me forever!!! Thank you very much for everything you’ve taught me even stuff I haven’t realized yet.
RIP Marksman???✌?
Played tennis at Carson Newman and loved watching Mark play basketball. Was year behind him. He was a great player and had tremendous character. He will be missed.
To the Mason family please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of Mark. He was indeed a respectable man early in his life as well as later. I was taught by his father at EHS and was a friend of the family. Mark will be missed and there will be a Grand reunion day! Glenn Harless, Nashville, Tenn.
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