Bernard “Bernie” Earl Cason, a devoted and loving man of incredible integrity and gentle spirit, left this Earthly life and was welcomed at Heaven’s gates on Easter Sunday, April 21^st, 2019.

Bernie had such joy for life and made sure to treasure the everyday moments that others may overlook. He found good in everyone and everything. He was a stranger to no one and could talk your ear off if you got him started on his hobbies and his passions like his family, good food, sports, and music. He was happiest when he could find a way to combine all four things at once!

Bernie’s love for family and his community was well known and respected. He was the most dedicated husband and cherished his wife of 39 years above all else. They were a dynamic duo and spent their days dancing, going for a drive, and doing whatever hijinks they felt like that day. You will never find a father prouder of his children and a father that was more willing to participate in their interests, from going to rock concerts to comic book conventions. The family spent many hours hosting pool parties, holiday games, and picnics always with Bernie at the helm.

He loved sports and spent many years playing and coaching football and basketball. He coached freshman football and freshman girls basketball at Albemarle High School for many years before moving on to coach girls basketball at The Miller School of Albemarle. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed planning and refereeing church volleyball and basketball tournaments, softball games, and organizing a Turkey Bowl football game on Thanksgiving. He was a diehard Maryland Terrapins fan and was their most well-known non-alumnus. He spent a lot of time on campus in College Park, Maryland and everybody knew him by name. His devotion and allegiance to the New England Patriots football team was immeasurable. He never would truly trust someone until they pledged their loyalty to his idol, Tom Brady. It should be noted that in later years, he did acknowledge his secret support of the Virginia Cavaliers and through divine knowledge, predicted the outcome of their recent NCAA championship game win, down to the key players and scenarios that would unfold.

Bernie had a lifelong love affair with cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and banana pudding. He was loved by so many in the community and was constantly being invited to partake in countless potlucks, customer appreciation lunches, or being treated to lunch just because they enjoyed his company.

Bernie is survived by wife Kathie Cason, daughter Holly Compton and her husband Jonathan Compton, and son Andrew Cason and wife Ciarra Cason, all of Charlottesville. He is also survived by his mother, Vernell Diser of Appomattox, his aunt Daisy Wright and her daughter Jennifer Wright-Layne, aunts Joyce Kirby and Alice Trainum. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Susan Dudley and her daughter Pamela Todd, as well as many cousins and friends that he called family.

Friends and Family Night will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday, April 26^t, 2019 at Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 27^t, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2975 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901.

Flowers may be sent to Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville or if you would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Bernie Cason, we request it be sent to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA at aspca.org/donate; the Miller School, Attn: Girl’s Basketball Program, to 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or The Hospice of the Piedmont at www.hopva.org/donate.

Submitted by Holly Compton.