Derryl Boyd Massey Sr.

Derryl was born in Decatur, Mississippi, on March 6, 1941, and was the son of Mr. Herbert L. Massey and Mrs. Katherine Hudson Massey. From the beginning, his life reflected steady devotion—to family, to country, and to the work set before him.

A veteran of the US Air Force, Derryl carried himself with quiet courage and a faithful sense of duty. He later devoted 37 years to the Illinois Central and Kansas City Southern Railroad, a testament to his hard work and perseverance, until retiring in 2001. His years of service, both military and civilian, were marked by reliability, strength, and an enduring commitment to providing for those he loved.

On July 1, 1966, Derryl married the love of his life, Ms. Shirley Scruggs. Together they built a life grounded in steadfast love and shared purpose, and were blessed with three children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. To those who knew him best, Derryl was deeply beloved—his presence steady, his care constant, and his devotion to family unmistakable.

In quieter moments, Derryl found simple joys: cheering on the Atlanta Braves, watching old reruns of shows like *Gunsmoke* and *Andy Griffin*, and, above all, spending time with his family. These everyday pleasures reflected the kind of life he lived—faithful in spirit, strong in character, and rich in the love he gave and received.

Derryl will be remembered with respect and gratitude, and his legacy will live on through the generations he helped shape with his example of bravery, hard work, and enduring faith.

Derryl is preceded in death by and parents and siblings.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Shirley Massey; children, Derryl Boyd Massey, Jr. (Miechelle), Ginger Sumrall (Mitch), and Peter Massey (Jennifer); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, Mississippi.