Remembering Fred Mason Jr.

Words: Justin Stengel

In February, the masonry industry was struck with the news of the passing of Fred Mason Jr, a well renowned masonry instructor at Columbus Career & College Academy and a person loved by everyone around him. Referred to by many as a top-tier instructor, Fred Mason Jr. leaves behind an amazing legacy in both masonry and education.

Known for his dedication to teaching the next generation of masons since 2012, Fred’s students have always had nothing but incredible things to say about him. His supporting and successful career as an instructor has led to many of his students competing in and winning numerous competitions within the industry. And it wasn’t just his students who Fred had an impact on, it’s many other instructors who knew Fred who aspired to be the kind of educator, and man, that he was.

 

Beyond his teaching, Fred had many hidden talents. He was a spotter for a race car team, and his driver won a championship last season. Fred was also a lifelong volunteer at his local fire department. His heart for service and his generosity were remarkable, making him truly special. His enthusiasm for giving back was contagious, and everyone who met Fred felt uplifted.

Fred had a way of making you feel appreciated, always thanking others for their contributions, yet it was he who deserved the gratitude. Everyone left Fred's presence feeling better about themselves, that’s just the kind of man he was. Fred's positivity was unwavering, in victory and defeat. Many had the opportunity to learn not only masonry, but life lessons from him as well. His approach to life taught us about the importance of a positive attitude and the impact of giving.

  

Fred's commitment to his students was extraordinary. He would leave at 4 AM to get them to an 8 AM contest without an ounce of complaint. His dedication to involving his students in every opportunity was inspiring, even without extra compensation. That didn’t matter to him, the satisfaction of seeing his students succeed was his reward.

Losing Fred was a shock to his town, Boardman, NC, his students, fellow instructors, and the masonry industry as a whole. His legacy is a call to action for all of us to strive to be like him, to hold his honor, and to continue his work in preparing the next generation for success in the industry.

 





About: News and Events
Expert Tips for Brick Installation
March 2026

Clay brick has long been valued for both its durability and aesthetic appeal, but achieving a clean, consistent build that will endure for a lifetime depends just as much on jobsite discipline, install strategy, and preventative moisture management as it

Allison Goley
Technical Talks
Read More
OSHA’s 2025 Top Violations: What the Numbers Reveal for Masonry and Construction
March 2026

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards based on federal inspection data. The purpose is simple: show employers where hazards are consistently being fou

Greg Brown
MAP Partner
Read More
Combining Modern Healthcare with Tribal Design: Nisqually Health & Wellness Center
March 2026

The Nisqually Health & Wellness Center is a project that the wonderful team here at Warfield Masonry completed in 2020. Built on the Nisqually Reservation (near Olympia, Washington), this project incorporates a variety of masonry materials into its tribal

Jake Sulya
Case Study
Read More
The Power of the STABILA Laser Technology
March 2026

In modern construction, accuracy is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation. From interior layouts to large-scale site preparation, professionals rely on tools that deliver fast, reliable, and accurate results. Among the most influential innovations of r

MAP Partner
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →