William Taylor Mason

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bill "W.T." Mason was raised in Hamilton, Alabama and his daughter's first words were "Roll Tide, baby!" He moved with his family to Tampa, Florida when he was in junior high school and graduated from Plant High in 1969. After attending University of Alabama, Bill went on to create Hit Makers recording studio where he applied his genius in song engineering to help local artists and musicians make their dreams come true. In 1999, he and his wife Brenda were married by Elvis Presley (wink) in Las Vegas where they promised to be each other's "teddy bear." Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2002, Bill faced incredible challenges in treatment and recovery for more than 20 years. But like the "rough tough cream puff" that he was, he slayed through every contest, hosting some of the warmest gatherings with the most delicious feasts imaginable. In 2006, he became the coolest dad on the planet to Presley Rae, embracing fatherhood at 55. He proudly took Presley everywhere in her sport stroller and most recently celebrated her graduation from high school. Fiercely intelligent, Bill took on several vocations over the years from property management and gardening to chicken husbandry, and bees. With a birthday so close to Earth Day, Bill loved nature and all of her beauty. He walked gently, but deliberately on his journey through the trails of Spring Lake, in the sands of Indian Rocks, on the sidewalks of Tampa, and in the vibes of all the songs that rang from Ybor City, Sulphur Springs and Spring Lake. Not only did he record some of the coolest groups and soloists, Bill, AKA, Phil A. Delphia, wrote and recorded several original tunes that are now timeless classics in our hearts. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert H. Mason and Bette Rae Mason and his Aunt Bette and Uncle Bill. In addition to legions of friends, he leaves behind his devoted wife, Brenda and daughter, Presley Rae; sister, Dr. Katherine Mooney-Hess (Tom), brothers: Robert (Cindy), Dr. David S. (Tina), and Jim (Maria) along with nieces and nephews: Terry, Liza, Darren, Ellie, T.J., William, Jennifer, David (Jr.), Antonia, and Michael, Jessica and Evan, and their families; cousins: Elizabeth (Roger), Ann (daughter, Katie), and Will (Diane). So many lives have been touched by Bill Mason, it's easier to count the stars. Let your Spirit fly, Bill as "Golden slumbers fill your eyes, smiles await you when you rise, sleep pretty darling, do not cry and I will sing a lullaby." You will be dearly missed. Peace and love. In lieu of a service, a celebration of Bill's life will be determined.

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