G. Richard Massey

George Richard Massey passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday evening, March 20, 2022 after a brief battle with lung cancer; he was 83 years old. Born in Marshville, NC, he was the eldest child of Oscar and Juanita Massey.

After moving to Charlotte, he attended Alexander Graham Middle School and graduated from Myers Park High School. He met his wife Emily Arden Chandler while working at Barnhardt Manufacturing and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage, with the last 25 years in Monroe, NC.

Richard’s lifelong passion was photography and he successfully started his own business and operated Massey Studios for more than 40 years. He loved being part of the weddings, portraits, special occasions, and dance recitals that he photographed. Richard was a member of First Baptist Church, the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, the Professional Photographers of America, and the Newell Masonic Lodge 739.

In addition to his parents, he is pre-deceased by his brothers Jeff and David Massey, his sisters Phyllis Massey and Harriett Jones. He is survived by his wife Emily, his daughter Leigh Massey Hicks (Gene), his son Kevin Massey, his grandchildren Chandler Harris Headen (Courtney), Eugene “Pender” Hicks, Rosa Teal Massey, Josie Wright Hicks, Carter McCain Massey, and Gabriel Otto Massey. He is also survived by his sister Jane Wentworth (Tony), sister-in-law Mary Pettus, brother-in-law Bob Jones and many nieces and nephews. Richard loved animals and was never without a cat in his lap; his fur-babies are too many to name.

Friends are invited to a gathering with the family on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at McEwen Funeral Home located at 204 S. Main Street in Monroe, NC. Memorial donations can be to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of Union County. Online condolences can be made at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com.