Christopher Douglas Massey, 47, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on May 25, 2024. 

A Durham native, Chris grew up listening to his idol Jello Biafra, writing wildly inventive song lyrics, skating around Ninth Street, and bellowing out in infectious laughter when his friends got him going. We remember Chris as an introverted soul who could become the life of the party under the right circumstances. As a music lover, Chris owned an extensive vinyl collection spanning genres. Friends of Chris knew him as a kind-hearted person who struggled to overcome his hardships. Most importantly, those closest to Chris remember him as someone who cared deeply for his son despite those hardships.

Chris was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, who always looked out for Chris and wanted him to succeed, and his biological father. He is survived by his son, Ethan Shipley, and his mother and stepfather, Terrie and Mark Stone.

Though Chris experienced mental health and addiction complications that impacted his relationship with his son, Ethan’s love for his dad endures. Ethan cherishes childhood memories of spending time with his dad, playing video games, wrestling WWE-style, crushing many meals of Ramen noodles, and skateboarding together at the Durham Skate Park. Those who know Ethan know he carries his dad’s same piercing blue eyes.

Chris’s remains were cremated with care in June and will remain with his son, while a small amount will be shared to a select few friends. 

Today, we honor Chris and invite you to do the same by sharing your positive stories and memories of Chris above in the "Share your condolences' field of this obituary. It would mean a lot to Ethan to read them to help process the grief and shape the memory of his dad.

Ethan and his family will hold a small, private memorial and celebration of Chris’s life, and we encourage others close to Chris to honor his memory in ways you best see fit.

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