Burl Smith Mast, Jr.

Burl S. "Sonny" Mast , Jr.,  peacefully passed away at his home on February 23, 2022, with his beloved wife of thirty-eight years, Lisa, by his side.  Born on  February 26, 1962, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was the son of Burl S. Mast, Sr., and Wilma Jean Lyons Mast, who survive him. In addition to his wife and parents, he is also survived by two sons and their families,  Justin and Lindsey and their daughters, Ginger and  Lily, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mitchell and Brittany and their soon to be adopted daughter of Ocean Springs, Mississippi,  his sister, Connie Mast, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sonny graduated from Unicoi County High School in Erwin, Tennessee.  Soon thereafter he and Lisa married, left the mountains and moved to Smyrna where he  began his employment with Nissan Manufacturing.  Several years later Sonny transferred to Nissan in Canton, Mississippi, where he furthered his career in management until his retirement due to illness.  He was in the third year of a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer when he passed.

Enjoying nature, fishing, hiking and traveling were only a few of Sonny's favorite things.  Most of all, he loved  time spent with his family,  traveling with his cherished wife and the adventurous times with his granddaughters with whom he wholeheartedly spent many hours playing games, having tea, and enjoying their company and hugs. Whenever time allowed, he also delighted in being with his parents at their "Red Barn" in the heart of the Appalachians where musicians from all over the world come to play live blue grass music and make new friends.

Sonny  volunteered at Habitat for Humanity on several occasions, built sidewalks and repaired roofs for the elderly and participated in many other projects for those in need. He was a dedicated Nissan employee who assisted coworkers achieve goals and always encouraged everyone to strive to do their best.  Sonny transformed the lives of many through his thoughtfulness, kindness and genuine concern for the welfare of others. 

The Mast family will have a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service at Lyons Chapel in Elizabethton, Tennessee, in the near future.  Plans are incomplete at this time.

Breeland Funeral Home, Canton, Mississippi, is assisting the Mast family.

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