Obituary: RALPH EDWARD MASSEY

By ADMIN-RAS | Published November 29, 2024 | No Comments

Ralph Massey, 70, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed from this earth on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at home, comforted and surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and sister. He was born on June 1st, 1954 to the late Robert and Winfred Massey. He developed a love for reading and a thirst for knowledge at a very early age when the bookmobile visited his home in rural Stokes County. He played football at North Stokes High School and drove the school bus.

A lifelong learner and adventurer, he joined the military at 18 and proudly served in the United States Navy for 26 years. In his years in the military, he served on submarines, minesweepers, and eventually as a police officer for the Hampton Roads Shore Patrol. After retiring from the military, he continued to serve his community as the Boiler Operator for Winston-Salem State University. Later he dedicated himself to the Francisco Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, continuing this life long commitment to service.

Ralph was an avid reader, world traveler, devoted father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and close friends. He was one with nature and loved spending an afternoon with a novel or visiting the park with his grandchildren. Beyond his service, he was admired for his vast and diverse knowledge of history, politics, mechanics, and many other subjects.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda; his daughters Cindy (Yusuf) Khaleeq; Mary (Josh) Goins; grandchildren, Eleanor, Abraham, Charlotte; brother, Robert Massey, sister Linda (Mark) Lane, and sister, Joyce Massey-Smith (Kim); and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Francisco Presbyterian Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. Interment will be held in the church cemetery. Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy will provide Military Rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Francisco Fire Department for the digital sign fund and the King Public Library.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Paschold, Sherwood, Pywell, and all the staff who provided care and support during his 12-year battle with cancer.

Ralph will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as a lively, intelligent, compassionate man whose kindness knew no bounds and who never met a stranger. His legacy of love and friendship will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Colonial Funeral Home in Sandy Ridge is serving the family.

Condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net

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