Colonel Larry G. Massey, Us Army Retired

Colonel Larry G. Massey, U. S. Army Retired, age 78, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014 at his residence in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Larry was born on February 6, 1936 to the late William E. Massey and Lorena Hann Massey in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.

Larry married Joyce S. Massey and they had three children together. While building a family together, Larry was also building a distinguished military as well as civilian career. He served in the United States Marine Corps first during the Korean War in Korea and Japan from 1953-1956. While serving he attained the rank of sergeant.

He transferred to the US Marine Corps Reserves from 1956-1957. In 1957 he transferred to the Tennessee Army National Guard and continued in service until 1989. He then served in the US Army Reserve. During this time, he achieved the rank of Colonel and in 1992 received letters of commendation from senior officials in the military for his outstanding leadership and performance.

During his military career he took advantage of every opportunity for professional training that he could. These included: International Loss Control Institute, Atlanta, GA; Officer Candidate School, Tennessee Military Academy; Armor Officer Basic Course, Fort Knox, KY; Transportation Corps Advance Course, Fort Eustis, VA; US Army Command/General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS; Civil Affairs Officer Advance Course, Fort Bragg, NC; NATO Reserve Officer Course, Rome, Italy; and Supply and Service Management Officer Course, Fort Lee, VA.

In addition to his distinguished military career he also worked as a Production Superintendent at Union Carbide from 1957-1986.

Colonel Massey is survived by his devoted wife: Joyce Massey of Fayetteville, Tennessee; children: L. Steven (Susan) Massey of Fayetteville, Tennessee and Vicki Massey of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; grandchildren: Steven B. (Amanda) Massey of Huntsville, Alabama and Melissa (David) Good of Fayetteville, Tennessee; great-grandchildren: J. J. McGee and D. C. Good of Fayetteville, Tennessee, Lyrik Massey and Jude Massey of Lenoir, North Carolina, and Eli Dunn of Huntsville, Alabama; sister-in-law: Jackie Dale of Columbia, Tennessee; sisters: Janice (Jimmy) Allen and Alice Crews of Columbia, Tennessee; brothers: Wayne (Ann) Massey of Columbia, Tennessee and Donald (Shoko) Massey of Washington State; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by family member, Sherry Blocker, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his daughter: Bethany Massey and brother: Jimmy Massey.

Funeral services for Colonel Larry G. Massey, U. S. Army Retired will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. with Van Johnson and Steven B. Massey officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon prior to the service.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .