John Boston Massey, 75, of Harvest, Alabama passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on August 6, 1947 to Boston Massey and Esther Cannon Massey. John grew up in Hayneville, Alabama and was a 1965 graduate of Hayneville High School where he played football for the Hayneville Blue Devils.
John’s immediate family attended University of Alabama but John received a scholarship to Auburn University. Going against the grain, John attended Auburn University which began a fun family rivalry that lasted throughout the years. He was quite studious earning multiple Bachelor degrees in various majors over the years and also completing a Masters in 1971. During his time at Auburn, he joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and became an avid Auburn Tigers sports fan. War Eagle!
After college, John was commissioned into the Air Force where he served and protected his country for over 20 years. After retirement from the military, he worked for the Boy Scouts of America and the United States Postal Service. In later years, John’s favorite hobby, blacksmithing, became his passion. Not only did he forge good luck horseshoes but he forged many impactful friendships within the community. He was even asked to perform blacksmithing demonstrations at several events in various states. This was something he loved and his legacy lives on, especially with his hand forged horseshoes spreading good luck across the country and beyond.
John was a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah Adamson Massey; two daughters, Priscilla Massey Jones and Lori Olivia Massey; and his four grandchildren, Julius Anthony Jones, Cassandra Whitney Jones, Evan Emmanuel Jones, and Giselle Alair Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Boston and Esther Massey and his sister, Linda Jane Massey.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Hospital, any local cancer center across the country or a charity of your choice.
