Col. Lee Thompson Massey

Col. Lee Thompson Massey — “Dad” to his son, “Pa” to his grandkids, “Big Pa” to his great-grandkids, and “Uncle Lee” to just about everyone else — passed away peacefully at his home on September 23, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born February 13, 1935, in Senath, Missouri, the youngest of eight children to Ernest and Wincie Massey.

Lee graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1953 and Arkansas State University in 1957, where he met and later married his college sweetheart, Joan. They shared 58 years of love and partnership until her passing. Later, he was blessed to find love again with his wife, Linda.

Lee served 28 years in the U.S. Army, retiring from the 5th Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Over the course of his career, he served at 13 military installations, completed two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, and proudly represented the United States as a diplomat at the Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. His military education included both the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. His decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with multiple awards, and the Army Master Aviator Badge.

Beyond the numerous awards and titles, Lee’s service was defined by the people he led and the lives he touched. He was an honorable man of great character — authentic, compassionate, and wise. He led with kindness and generosity, often described as a strong decision-maker who still listened carefully and cared deeply. His leadership left a lasting impression on countless soldiers, colleagues, family, and friends.

Following his military career, Lee founded South Texas Claim & Appraisal Service in 1985 and worked as an independent adjuster until 2005. He also served as a certified mediator, sat on the board of the Texas Independent Claims Association, and was a proud Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International.

Lee loved his family and was happiest surrounded by them. He kept close contact with lifelong friends from college and beyond, often sharing their memories in his famously long stories. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys—even if that meant leaving Sunday service at 11:45 to make kickoff. Lee was always ready with a practical joke, a good story, or his famous missing-thumb trick to make a child wonder. He poured himself into the lives of others, offering guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand whenever it was needed. A man of integrity and generosity, he was someone you could always depend on.

For more than 40 years, Lee was a devoted member of MacArthur Park Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and revitalizing the Care Cottage to support those in need. He generously shared his time, resources, and wisdom, living out his faith through service and love. Lee offered counseling, prayers, and leadership to anyone seeking it, touching countless lives along the way.

Lee is survived by his wife, Linda Massey (previously Worrell); ; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Nancy Massey; stepdaughter, Robin Lane and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Jay Massey and Kelly Falgout, Sarah Edmisten and Husband Jon, Christopher Massey, Leann Massey, and Hannah Lane; great-grandchildren; Olive, Oakland, and Oxley Massey; Jordan and wife Meranda, Jackson, Jonathan Jr., and Jacob Edmisten. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan; his siblings Christina, Bud, Sue, Wilma, Bill, Bonnie, and Bobby; and his daughter-in-law, Judy Massey.

A private interment for the family will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. Full military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MacArthur Park Church of Christ Benevolence Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Cancer Society.