Ralph Massey

RALPH C. MASSEY, SR.

Ralph Creighton Massey, Sr., 80, passed away on February 18, 2013, at home.  He was born September 15, 1932, in Anderson, SC, to the late Hershel V. and Velina Nimmons Massey.

Mr. Massey was a retired veteran with 22 years of service with the U. S. Air Force.  He served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  He received 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Ribbon, AF Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation - Presidential Insignia, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Service Commendation, Overseas Service Commendation, Special Operations Commendation and various other awards.  After his military service he taught emergency medical training in Horry County, SC.  He obtained his Associate Degree in Textile Management and served as a supervisor for Pharr Yarns, Rex Mills and A&E Textiles.   Mr. Massey was a Shriner and member of the Masonic Lodge.  He was a member of  First Wesleyan Church in Bessemer City.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Clanton Massey; two brothers, Cecil Massey and Carlton Massey.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Ralph  Massey, Jr. and Diane of Clover; son and daughter-in-law, William and Andrea Massey of Mt. Holly; daughter, Debrah Massey and fianc" Dale Soronen of Lake Wylie; granddaughter, Jennifer Massey Parker and husband Matt of Modesto, CA; grandson, William Edward Massey of Mt. Holly; two great-grandchildren, Kendall Parker and Lawson Parker; sister, Gwendolyn Allen of Abingdon Place, Gastonia; brother and sister-in-law, Branson and Mary Massey of Gastonia; sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and Don Owens of Gastonia; brother and sister-in-law, Malcolm and Pam Massey of Gastonia; sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Rich Lingerfelt of Georgetown, KY; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday at Firestone Wesleyan Church in Gastonia with Rev. Wes Brown, Rev. Matt Mitchell and Rev. Roger Parsons officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park with military rites by the US Air Force Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731