LTC (Retired) George Maxey Massey, Sr., U.S. Army, beloved husband, father, and grandfather and great grandfather, passed away November 5, 2024, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN with his children at his side. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Mulberry Cemetery with military honors. Visitation with the family will be from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Higgins.
George was born on January 6, 1940, in Greeneville, TN, to Con S. Massey, Sr., and Dorothy Maxey Massey. Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in June 1962, he was commissioned as an Infantry second lieutenant. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army Special Forces, where he commanded Operational Detachments in both Germany and Vietnam. During his first tour in Vietnam, George’s unit built and fortified a Special Forces fighting camp, and in his second tour, he acted as a senior advisor to two Vietnamese Ranger Battalions. Between these tours, he led the U.S. Army Infantry Center Scout Dog Detachment and attended the Military Language Institute to aid him in his leadership endeavors in Vietnam.
Furthering his education, George earned his master’s degree and served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Vanderbilt University. He later became the Professor of Military Science at Eastern Washington University. His expertise led him back overseas as an executive officer with the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division in Germany. He also ran the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School. George was a triple threat. He was an Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces soldier and a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran. He was awarded many honors throughout his military career. He retired in 1983 with a highly distinguished service record.
In 2018, his contributions were honored with his induction into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee, cementing his legacy in military service and education.
After retiring, George returned to his beloved Tennessee, where he dedicated his time to giving back to his community. He played a key role in establishing Junior ROTC units in Williamson County and took on a leadership role as Vice President of Peoples Bank of Elk Valley in Fayetteville. George later concluded his distinguished career as the Chief Operating Officer and Plant Manager at Formall, Inc. in Knoxville.
Even in retirement, George’s life remained full and active. He consistently cheered his beloved Tennessee Volunteers on in any sport they played. He worked at golf courses, spent time substitute teaching, coached and refereed soccer, and volunteered by delivering Meals on Wheels. He was also involved with the Senior Citizens Awareness Network, visiting and supporting seniors in his community. George enjoyed playing golf and even recently completed a 5K run.
George lived a rich, fulfilling life, but his family was his greatest joy. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nurturing close individual bonds with each one of them. His love and dedication to his family were the legacy he cherished most.
Survivors include his children, Ellen Massey (Michael Horner) and Suzanne Oliver of Knoxville, and George Massey, Jr. (Courtney) of Nolensville; grandchildren, Damek Izo (Isabella Rivero), Sadie Izo Foster, Simone Hashmi (Cameron), Olivia Massey, Haley Massey, George Massey III, Dean Cooper (Avery), Sydney Cooper; great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Banks Izo, and Georgia Foster; brother, Con S. Massey (Betty); dear cousins, Carolyn Brooks and Ellen Carper; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John P. Massey; son-in-law, Doug Oliver; and grandson-in-law, Justin Foster.
George also lost the love of his life and true soulmate last year – his wife of 65 years, Charlotte Faye Moorehead Massey. Their love provided a firm foundation for our family, a shining example of commitment and has given us the peace and strength to go on without their physical presence with us.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of LTC (Retired) George Maxey Massey, Sr., U.S. Army.
George was a good friend during our high school days at Central High. We reconnected a couple of years ago and shared some life experiences. Rest in Peace my friend. Prayers for the family.
I attended kelso grade school with George.we were friends there and for at a couple of years at flintville high school where his father taught agriculture.like George,i also joined the army and served for 31yrs. Saw George when he worked at people’s bank,park city .sorry to hear that he’s passed.good friend and good soldier.glad to hear that era blalock is well.
George and Faye were cherished friends of ours. We met in Old North Knoxville when they had moved back to the city some years ago. They joined and participated in the neighborhood association and many of its activities such as our annual Victorian Holiday Home tour. George and I were kindred spirits and shared memories (and yes, much humor) as only those of similar ages can. As I read his obituary, I was amazed at just how much George did not talk about himself and his military career. I knew parts of it, and he would answer questions, but he never boasted or bragged of his service or volunteer accomplishments. He was a man of faith, of confident demeanor, and he was a kind soul. He and Faye were childhood sweethearts and their love lasted sixty-five years. He departs this earth as we all have or will but will live on in the memories of his many friends, his military family, his neighbors in so many places, and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We loved you George and we will miss you and the impact you had upon our lives and the lives of others.
TO THE MASSEY CLAN: Ellen, Suzanne, George , grands and greatgrands. The world has lost a sweet and loving soul. I loved George, Faye and all of you. When they moved back home to Fayetteville and he worked at the bank, we shared many wonderful times and memories. He could always make us laugh with his “stumbling act”. I remember in high school when he broke his leg again. Dr told him he could not keep doing that. I watched you all grow up thru the yearly Christmas letters and pictures. Cherish the wonderful memories you have of Little Granny and the Patriarch, Big George. You are all in my prayers
An incredible human with a quick smile who appreciated humor (good and bad) and spending time with his family. When he coached his adult daughter’s very inexperienced soccer team, his first instruction to the Grasshoppers in his booming voice and ball held over his head was, “THIS is a soccer ball!” We are fortunate to have known him.
I attended Kelso Elementary with George, 6,7 and 8th grades. My older siblings had his father as a teacher at Flintville High School. His Aunt, Ms Lena taught piano at Kelso and I remember his mother had a beautiful voice and sang at different functions around the Lincoln County area.