Gary Dean Massey

Gary Dean Massey, son of the late Charles Edward and Bonnie Dean (Ming) Massey, was born August 30, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, and departed this life July 22, 2019, in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was 77 years, 10 days, and 23 days of age.

Gary grew up and attended school in Downey, California. Following high school he began working for the phone company. After working there for eighteen years, Gary moved his family to Mountain Grove, Missouri and began dairy farming. He also was a truck driver, hauling milk and gas. Gary also drove a school bus for the Mountain Grove School District for a couple of years. Later, Gary worked for about twelve years at Walmart in the Tire and Lube Express.

Gary was saved and baptized and was devout in serving the Lord. He was a long-time faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church where he served various positions throughout the years, most notably as song leader.

Gary enjoyed taking his boat to Theodosia and boating on Bull Shoals Lake. He was great at water skiing and had skied up to the age of 70. He also enjoyed washing his ’66 Mustang and admiring it with friends and family. Gary liked square dancing at the YMCA and playing BINGO at the Senior Center. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He loved watching his granddaughters ride horses and his grandsons play ball. He made many great memories with his grandchildren that will never be forgotten including carving Halloween pumpkins and baking cakes decorated with candies for all occasions.

Gary is survived by one son, Jeff Massey and wife, Shelly, of Mountain Grove, one daughter, Julie Neill of Mountain Grove, four grandchildren, Austin Massey and wife, Shyane, Dylan Massey, Leeann Beck, and Justine Neill, three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Graysen, and Westlyn Massey, and a host of friends and church family who will miss him greatly.