William Herndon Mast
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HENDERSON- William Herndon Mast, of Henderson, died May 18, 2022 in Durham. He was born on February 16, 1934 in Blowing Rock to David Patterson Mast and Grace Blalock Mast. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Harriette Glass Mast.
Growing up in Sugar Grove, he and his brothers worked hard, played hard, and learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, especially that of the North Carolina mountains. After graduating from Watauga High School, he went on to graduate from the Pharmacy school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1957. A few years later he established his home in Henderson, and founded Mast Drug Company in 1962. He began the company as a chain of retail drug stores and began providing long term care services years later.
His love for his profession is evidenced by his many professional affiliations. He served as president of the Henderson Drug Club, was a member of the National Association of retail druggists, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the American Pharmaceutical Association. In 1991 he was awarded the Don Blanton Award, which is given to a pharmacist "who has contributed most to the advancement of pharmacy in North Carolina during the past year." He served on the board of directors of Mutual Drug Wholesalers for many years.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill served his community in many ways. He was president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Henderson Merchants Association, president of the Henderson Jaycees, a member of the board of deacons at First Baptist Church, and a member of the Henderson City Council. He also served on the Board of Directors for Wingate University.
Bill was an avid golfer, Tarheel fan, and lover of country and gospel music. He loved God, his fellowman, his friends, and his family. His children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were his heart. "Daddy Bill" played, advised, listened, and watched countless sporting events. Generous of goods and spirit, there was nothing he wouldn't do for family, friends, neighbors, or strangers.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Snipes Mast, his children, Beth Flye (Dicky) and Susan McSwain (Jeff), grandchildren Claire Donahoe (Will), Andrew Flye (Mallory), Emily McSwain, Caroline Ryskiewich (Alex), Malissa McSwain, and David McSwain, great-grandchildren Grace and Mathis Donahoe and Harriette and Ira Flye, stepsons Patrick Noble (Mandy), and Nesbit Noble, step grandchildren Peyton, Taylor, and Collin Noble, and brothers, Pat Mast of Winston-Salem, George Mast (Gayle) of Smithfield, and Mack Mast(Margaret) of Lexington.
The funeral was held Sunday May 22 at the First Baptist Church in Henderson with burial immediately following at Elmwood Cemetery. The family received friends on Saturday May 21, from 5:00-7:00 at the home on Deepwood Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Reality Ministries, PO Box 242, Durham, NC 27702, or to the Boys and Girls Club of Central NC, PO Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565.
Online condolences my be made at www.jmwhitefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.