Obituary of James Gregory Massey
Please share a memory of James to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
James Gregory Massey
November 7, 1952 – January 28, 2023
James “Gregg” Massey passed away, surrounded by his family, on January 28 due to
complications from Alzheimer’s. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years Patricia “Pat” Massey,
Smyrna, TN; daughters Connie Massey, Murfreesboro, TN and Katie (Wesley) Allen, Hurricane,
WV; grandchildren Abbie Allen, Hurricane, WV and Wesley Allen, Hurricane, WV; sisters Rennae
(Charlie) Morris, Belle, WV; Annette (Roger) Shinn, Ft. Pierce, FL; and Susie (Ricky) Howard,
Belle, WV; dear friends Jim and Terry Poff, Nashville, TN; and multiple nieces, nephews, and
cousins. Gregg was preceded in death by his loving mother Bonnie Massey and nieces Wendy
and Christy Shinn.
Gregg was born in Charleston, WV and grew up in Rand, WV near the banks of the Kanawha
River. He spent many days with his cousins at his grandfather’s ‘camp on the Elk River. He
graduated from DuPont High School and received his Business Degree from Morris Harvey
College. Gregg was blessed with two daughters, which were his pride and joy. He relocated to
Nashville which was his home for over 30 years. He worked at the Tennessee Credit Bureau,
then went to MTSU and obtained his teaching degree and taught middle school for a short
time. He then went back to sales at Family Leisure before retiring in early 2019.
In Nashville Gregg met a group of friends that became family in the OWA. This is where he met
his loving wife, Pat, and his dear friends Jim and Terry. Gregg was always the life of the party.
He loved to entertain people and make people laugh. His love of entertaining combined with
his deep love of music led him to spend years working as a DJ. He loved the beach, the ocean,
sailing and books. His sailboat was one of his most cherished possessions. More than anything,
he loved taking care of his family. Gregg loved spending time with his family and taking his
grandkids on adventures. He will always be remembered for his storytelling, handyman skills, DJ
skills, mechanic skills, packing and moving abilities, practical jokes, and his famous saying “Trust
me.” Most importantly we will remember him as our husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Our lives are forever changed and won’t be the same without him. He will forever be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of
America, alzfdn.org or Alive Hospice, alivehospice.org
Visitation with the family will be held 3:00-5:00 pm Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life at 5:00pm..
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Massey, please visit Tribute Store