Mr. J.D. Massey, affectionately known by many as "PaPa", was the first child born to the late Robert and Betty (Nobles) Massey on September 7, 1932. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age and worshiped and served him as a member of the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL. Having completed his earthly journey, J.D. accepted his invitation to eternal life on December 11, 2007.
In accordance with Proverbs 18:23, the legacy of J.D. Massey is seeded in his finding of a loving, and faithful wife, Mable Turner Massey. On December 5, 2007, J.D. and Mable celebrated 48 years of marriage. God's subsequent favor was multiplied in the blessings of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
J.D.'s journey through life included attending Council Training School, serving in the U.S. Army and meeting many life-long friends as he worked and retired from Oakwood College and the Madison County Board of Education. Determined to remain active, J.D. found employment with the Volunteers of America organization where he worked until his health deteriorated.
J.D.'s wonderful life was tempered with sorrow in the loss of his daughter DeBarbara Massey, granddaughter, Megan Walker, and siblings Robert Jr. and Eddie Lee Massey. However, his memories and legacy will remain strong through the lives of his beloved wife, Mable, four sons, Duncan (Cynthia) Massey, New Market, AL, Derrick Massey, Huntsville, AL, Toney (Catrina) Massey, Harvest, AL, Gregory Massey, Madison, AL. Four daughters, Tammy (Vincent) Walker, Harvest, AL, Dianna and Sonya Massey both of Huntsville, AL, and Erica (Larry) Rice, Harvest, AL. Eleven grandchildren, Tangela (Marcus) Beasley, Austin Harris, Tori Massey, Alston and Brooker Walker, Jarred and Alivia Massey, and Brandon and Bradley Massey. Four great-grandchildren, Amarious and Mason Beasley; Asia Massey and Lauren Rice. Two brothers Freddie (Barbara) Massey, College Park, GA and Carl Massey, Huntsville, AL. Two sisters, Sadie (Eddie) Jefferson and Bertha (James) Lang all of Huntsville, AL; two brothers-in-law Charles (Annie Ruth) Turner and Cleatus (Ernestine) Turner, one sister-in-law Peggy Turner, Atlanta, GA. A host of nieces, nephews and other special families and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. from the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, with Pastor Timothy Rainey Officiating. Interment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. The remains of Mr. Massey will be at the church one hour prior to funeral time.