Herbert Lavon Massey, 84, of Chunky, Mississippi, died Monday, July 13, 2020 at Anderson's Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi.

Mr. Massey was born December 9, 1935 in Tallulah, Louisiana on the Chalula Plantation.  He worked in the cotton fields until he graduated from Hickory High School.  He then joined the United States Navy and served four years on the Naval Destroyer USS Peterson.  After his service in the Navy he made his home in Chunky, MS.  He was known as a jack of all trades.  He was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in which he was a faithful member until his health declined.  Mr. Massey also was a member of the Hickory American Legion Post 173.   He loved his family and the Lord.  He will truly be missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Elizabeth Massey; infant daughter, Sherrilyn Massey; parents, Herbert and Kathryn Massey, and sister, Janiece Wettingfeld.

Survivors include his sons:  Tim Massey (Dorothy), Charles Massey (Linda), and Jamie Massey (Pam); grandchildren:  Damien Massey (Jennifer), Shaun Carver, Jennifer Carver, Kala Alexander (Caleb), Kari Massey, Haley Massey (Lawrence), Krisha Agent (Kyle), Renee' Graves (Eric), Scotty Massey, Katelyn Massey; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers: Derryl Massey (Shirley), Larry Massey (Joyce), and Shelton Massey (Valerie), and sister,  Annette Case.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Providence Missionary Baptist Church (located off Chunky Duffee Rd) with funeral services immediately following.  Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Bro. Larry Laird, Bro. James McMillan, and Bro. Len Chesney will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (601) 635-3200

The family asks that those who wish to attend the services please wear a mask and to practice social distancing when possible.

Pallbearers will be Dempsey Parkes, Damien Massey, M.L. Henley, Charlie Norris, Matt Vaughn and Steve Pugh.

Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin Hopkins, Robert Sewell, Mack Fanning, and Dewayne Todd.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be to Providence Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.  (Mailing address 1455 Strebeck Rd. Hickory, MS 39332)