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William Mast Memorial Ride Takes Place Saturday

By Jesse Wood

May 24, 2013. Classic car owners, motorcyclists and supporters of the Mast Family are invited to participate in the inaugural William Mast Memorial Ride on Saturday, May 25. Following are festivities, which combined with the ride, will help raise money for a scholarship in the name of the fallen deputy.

Deputy William Mast Jr.
Deputy William Mast Jr.

Mast died in the line of duty on July 26, 2012, while responding to a domestic abuse call in Deep Gap. He passed away at the age of 23 with his pregnant wife Paige, who was soon to be in labor with their now healthy young son William Hunter Mast. 

Deputy William Gilliam said the event is to keep “William’s name alive,” as well as raise scholarship money for a rising senior, who wishes to pursue a career in law enforcement, fire or medic fields, beginning in 2014.

“He was a great deputy and a great friend and he made an impact on every person that he met,” Gilliam said. “I want to see the community support William for the sacrifice he made for the county.”

Registration for the ride takes place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the Watauga High School. The 56-mile route leaves the high school, following U.S. 421 South to Brownwood Road, onto Railroad Grade Road through Todd to Highway 88 and on back to Old U.S. 421 through King Street.

Registration costs $20 per driver and $25 for those drivers with a passenger. No cover charge exists if you aren’t riding. 

As for the festivities afterwards at Watauga High School, BBQ from Big Mo’s costs $5. Blue Country is providing the live music. Silent auction items include two Bristol Race night tickets, a leather coat from Carroll Leather Goods, a ham from Silverstone Hams, gift certificates to local restaurants and much more.

For more information, click to event’s Facebook page here