Sammy Johnston Massey

Sammy Johnston Massey (AKA GRAMPS) of Bruce, Mississippi/Fulshear, Texas departed this life for his heavenly home on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at his home in Bruce, MS.  Sammy was born April 21, 1948, in Bruce, MS to the late Sam Jefferson Massey and Charlene Johnston Massey.

Sam married his loving wife Brenda on July 29, 1967.  The couple spent an expansive 54 years walking down the many paths of life together creating memories.  Sam is survived by his wife Brenda Gregory Massey, loving daughter, Christy Massey Schnellhardt (Jeff) and three loving grandchildren, Grayson, Nora and Emma.  Sam and Brenda loved traveling and have traveled the world but some of the happiest times were sitting on the porch in Bruce, MS or on the patio in Fulshear, TX drinking coffee and iced tea.  They also loved being a part of every possible event of football, taekwondo, dance, swim, basketball and track with their three grandchildren.

Sam graduated from Bruce High School in May 1967 and that same month voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Sam honorably served his country during the Vietnam War from May 10, 1967 to May 4, 1971. He received these commendation medals during his time of service: Vietnam Unit Commendation Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. At the time of discharge, he was BM2 rank and E-5 grade. Sam served on three military ships during his career: the hospital ship USS Repose, the USS Concord, and the USS Utina.

Same returned home and spent most of his career in heating and cooling business in the customer service department.  He started out with Payne Supply in Tupelo, MS and also Hughes Supply in Marrietta, GA.  He eventually would spend 20 years with and retire from Lennox Industries Heating and Cooling in the customer service department at the Lennox Corporate Headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Sam's spiritual journey started at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Bruce, MS where his mother was the ladies Sunday School Class teacher for many years.  He grew in his faith after finding another church home at First Baptist Church in McKinney (Dallas), TX. He became a deacon and served at First Baptist 13 years where he and Brenda made lifelong friends.

After retiring in 2010 and moving closer to their daughter & family they found another church home at 2nd. Baptist Church in Fulshear (Houston), TX, where they are currently members.  They have also made lifelong friends at 2nd. Baptist Church in Fulshear.

In addition to their church friends, Sam & Brenda have many lifelong friends from both of their careers as well as neighbors from everywhere they lived.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Parker Memorial Funeral Homes, Inc. 476 Hwy. 9 N., Bruce, MS.

The funeral service honoring Sam's life will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 11:00A.M. at the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home, Bruce, MS. With Bro. Pete Gregory Officiating.

Naval Military Honors and burial will be at Mt. Moriah Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Friends & Family are invited to the fellowship Hall at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church directly following the Military Burial.

Pall Bearers: Jeff Schnellhardt, Grayson Schnellhardt, Bo Gregory, Ricky Gregory, Danny Gregory, and Reggie Collums.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Uncle Jamie Gray, JW Tapley, Jim Prewett

Sam was very active in his Grandkids life especially when his grandson Grayson was diagnosed with Type-One Diabetes around his first birthday and is turning 17 this month. From shots to insulin pumps Gramps was right there for Grayson so Memorial donations in memory of Sam may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association (JDRF) at the Link below.

http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/ SamMassey

Parker Memorial Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Massey family during this difficult time of need and loss.