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In memory of

Joe Prentice Massey

Chesapeake, VA, USA

July 22, 1938 - August 27, 2020

Jul 22, 1938 - Aug 27, 2020

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Joe Prentice Massey passed away in Chesapeake, VA, on Thursday, August 27, 2020, after a short illness. Joe was born July 22, 1938, in Covington, TN, to Sanford and Grace Massey. He grew up with 5 brothers and sisters in Mason, TN, and graduated from Byars Hall High School in 1956 where he played football and baseball.
Joe married Joan King on February 22, 1958, and they had three children together: Sharon Massey Brown; John Massey, married to Amy; and Scott Massey, married to Renee. Joe and Joan raised their children in Memphis, TN.
Joe was proud to serve his country in the United States Army Reserves from March, 1959, to December, 1964, with active duty in Kansas City from September, 1959, to March, 1960. Following active duty, he worked for the railroad in Wichita before moving to Memphis. In Memphis, Joe started his career in the HVAC supply business at Nelson Supply in 1965. Joe excelled at building relationships with his customers, and he retired from A&R Supply after working for the company for 26 years.
Joe and Joan moved from Memphis to Atoka, TN, to spend their retirement years. For his last adventure, Joe moved his wife and home from Tennessee to Virginia in 2019.
Joe was a passionate sports fan. He loved sports so much that he coached peewee football for many years including several years beyond those when his children played. No sport was dearer to his heart than football, and no football organization was nearer to his heart than University of Tennessee football. His passion was so great that he would listen to UT football games on the radio to hear the "Voice of the Vols" John Ward while simultaneously watching the game on television. While he would attend UT games in person whenever he had the chance, he otherwise made the point not to miss them on television from his home in Memphis and later Atoka, TN.
Joe had another passion: his 5 grandchildren. He leaves behind Patrick, married to Jordan; Ryan; Samantha; Justin; and Spencer. He left this world with the joy of knowing he was soon to be a great-grandfather.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Joe also leaves behind his sister Bernice Bailey, brother Robert "Sonny" Massey, and sister Martha "Mott" Weems along with many other beloved family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Kathryn McCarson and Joy Mills.
In lieu of an in-person memorial service, the family requests that you share your favorite memories of Joe with them here.

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