Kenneth Massey

Kenneth Massey – born on November 25, 1932, in the Ringold Community of Scott County, Mississippi, Kenneth went home to be with his Savior on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the age of 89. He passed peacefully in the arms of his beloved companion of forty years, Joyce Raybon, and his son, Chris, at his side.

Kenneth loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an outstanding baseball player at Murphy High School, graduating with the class of 1951. He received a baseball scholarship to Spring Hill College where he played one year before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi to play baseball with former classmates. He also ran track while at Southern. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 after graduation but came home because of being “homesick.” Kenneth was often kidded about majoring in “girls” while in college! Kenneth worked with his father building houses, and they built many fine homes in the Spring Hill area. After returning from working in the steel industry in Birmingham, he joined the Mobile Fire Department in 1965 and retired in 1995 after thirty years of service. He played for the fire department softball team for many years as well as with many other sandlot and city league teams in the Mobile area. He was well known for his love and dedication of the game.

He was a fabulous dancer, and many times the floor was cleared for him and Joyce to dance, something they so enjoyed as a couple. He also loved fishing as much as anyone ever could, most especially at his lake home in Citronelle, Alabama. Kenneth was a veteran, having served in the United States Army with an honorable discharge in 1958.

Kenneth is survived by his sons, Gary Massey and Chris Massey; daughter, Valerie Massey; granddaughter, Meagan Yokeley (Will); great-grandson, Liam Yokeley; beloved companion, Joyce Raybon, and her children and grandchildren, to whom he was a constant in their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Lalla Massey, and his siblings, Mildred Coker and Daree Lipsey.

Many thanks go to his dedicated, loving and devoted caregivers, Tommy and Sandra Ryan, Michelle Williams and Shana Larison, Dr. Martin Lester and his devoted nurse, Mandy Taylor, and Mobile Fire Department Station #18 (where Kenneth served as a driver for many years) for their care when called on.

Funeral services will be held at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the MASSEY family.