Achievements
Mason graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1941. He worked as a general practice lawyer in Lynchburg for 10 years. From 1956 to 1961 he worked for the People's National Bank and Trust Company in Lynchburg as both trust officer and later, as vice president.
Aside from his successes in law and politics, Mason is also well known for his talents on stage. Mason began acting while a freshman at Hampden-Sydney College. In 1971, he began acting again with Hollins College Theatre, Showtimers and Mill Mountain Theatre. He was especially known for his stage portrayals of Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, and Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond.
Mason appeared in four feature films: Crimes of the Heart, In a Shallow Grave, Mississippi Burning and Gods and Generals. He also appeared in made-for-television movies.
Friends credited Mason's charisma, sharp wit, love of life and genuine interest in people that propelled him to success. "Tom was a citizen of the world," said former state Del. Clifton Woodrum III, who knew Mason from his time as federal prosecutor. "Anything that involved people, he would excel at. … The worst mood I ever saw him in was cheerful."
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Famous quotes containing the word achievements:
“There are some achievements which are never done in the presence of those who hear of them. Catching salmon is one, and working all night is another.”
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“When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality, they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a man’s name live for thousands of years. But above this level, far above, separated by an abyss, is the level where the highest things are achieved. These things are essentially anonymous.”
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“Like all writers, he measured the achievements of others by what they had accomplished, asking of them that they measure him by what he envisaged or planned.”
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