Masters – Ralph Robert Masters, Sr., age 69, of Hilliard, FL passed away on May 31, 2021. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL to Ralph Wallace (Wally) Masters and Estelle Rebecca Newell Masters Surrency.  Ralph is survived by his spouse of 44 years, Diane Marie Pennala Masters; children, Ralph Robert (Bubu) Masters II, Anita Marie Masters Burton (Robert), Jason Aaron Masters (Megan); 6 grandchildren, Adam Kyle Burton, Gary Michael Burton, Veronica Leanne Burton, Bret Alan Mclain, Alaina Marie Cook, Ethan Scot Masters; sisters, Linda Carolyn Masters Collins (Johnny), Rebecca Pearl Surrency Nettles (Earl); brothers, James Alfred Masters (Mary Ann), Riley Ozy Surrency (former wife, Sherry) (current wife, Shannon); brother-in-laws, Christopher Charles Pennala, Robert Lee Humphreys (Krystal); sister-in-law, Deborah Pennala Hughes Fowler; nieces, Rebecca Alexander (Roger), Angela Hughes (Danny), Heather Higginbotham (J.J.), Elizabeth Rollings (Andrew), Crystal Mclain (Robert), Cindy Mcgee (Timmy); nephews, Johnnie Collins (Jackie), Steven Masters, Dewayne Surrency (Kaitelyn); 6 great nieces; 10 great nephews; 1 great-great niece.

Ralph graduated from Paxon High School c/o 1971. He went on to college for a short period of time with no degree. He worked for the US mail as a diesel mechanic for 20 years. He also worked for NASCAR as an official for over 25 years. Ralph was inducted into the Jax Raceway Hall of Fame in 2018. He has stood on the car haulers with the race car legends watching the races and has been in and out of the garages of NASCAR rubbing elbows with the same racing legends. Ralph grew up in the racing circuit starting out at the old Jax racetrack Lenox Avenue. His dad built many winning cars for several legendary drivers, Tiny Lund, Leroy Yarbrough, Herb Spivey, David Ezel, Speedy Spires, just to name a few. Ralph was loved, very well known, and respected throughout the racing circuit. He never thought being a NASCAR official as a job because he loved it so much. An old saying "If you love what you do, it's never a job." Ralph was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. He was loved by so many and will be missed greatly.

A Celebration of Ralph's Life will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021at 2:00 p.m. at Lannie Road Baptist Church with Pastor Buddy Wimberly officiating. Interment will follow at Verdie Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.