John Carroll Massey

John was born October 9, 1958 in High Point to Vance Douglas “Doug” and Bettie Carroll Massey. John was a 1977 graduate of High Point Central High School and graduated in 1981 from Guilford College with degrees in Psychology and Religion. He later received his teaching certificate in social studies from UNC-G.

John worked many years with the Inside Sales/Customer Service Department at Liberty Hardware in Winston-Salem. He thought of his coworkers as an extended family and enjoyed many great times with them. The family would like to thank the people of Liberty Hardware for their special gestures, acts of kindness, and words of sympathy.

John was a faithful member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. Through his church work, John assisted with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, organized for the Crop Walk, served with Open Door Ministries, delivered for Mobile Meals, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and generally served when called to help others in need.

Everyone who knew John understood that his greatest love was his music. From the sixth grade until his passing, he primarily performed as a percussionist. Along the way, he also learned to play guitar, banjo, and assorted other instruments. For the last twenty years, John performed with both the Salem Community Orchestra and the Salem Band, which was established in 1771 and is “the oldest continuous mixed wind ensemble in the United States of America.” Expanding into musical theatre about ten years ago, John began to play percussion for the West Side Civic Theatre of Lewisville. As well, John volunteered his talents at numerous local churches throughout the years. John enjoyed and appreciated his many friendships developed through the shared love of music.

John was preceded in death by his father. Surviving are his mother; Bettie Carroll Massey, one brother and sister-in-law: Vance D. Massey, Jr. and wife Margaret Hartley Massey of High Pont; a niece, Anna Roueche Massey; a nephew, Stewart Douglas Massey; and several cousins who were very close and cherished.

A time of family visitation will be held Sunday at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. followed at 3:30 p.m. by a Memorial Service conducted by The Reverend Joe Blankinship. Following the service, family and friends are invited to travel to the Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery in King, N.C. for the interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to either The Salem Community Orchestra, 608 Drumheller Road, Clemmons, NC 27012 or The Salem Band, 500 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

The family wishes to thank all of the many, many friends for the support and love they have shown us during our unexpected loss.

Please offer condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.