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 solider 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.
