DeWitt Owen Massey

His childhood was spent in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. Following his graduation from Hazelhurst High School he received his B.A. and master’s degree from Mississippi College. While there he was a member of the orchestra, choir and track team. He later earned the advanced master’s degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. His teaching career began at Copiah-Lincoln College where he was a history professor and director of religious activities on campus.

In 1956, he gained the affection of Rebecca and their loving marriage lasted 69 years.

He was a cherished husband and a devoted father who was a humble, gentle soul who was loved by everyone who knew him. He was faithful to God and devoted to his family.

In Georgia he continued as an educator and a mentor to homeless children. He was a member of the Lions Club and President of the Optimist Club.

DeWitt was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Navy aboard an ammunition ship in the Sea of Japan during the Korean War.

His hobbies were patriotic writing, music and travel. He was always active in his church and was a member of Lakeland Presbyterian Church. In Georgia he was a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, trumpet musician and choir member.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Stephen DeWitt. He is survived by his wife Rebecca and two daughters, Christy (John) and Julie; three granddaughters, Alicia (Matt), Katie (Matthew) and Jamie (Tommy); seven great-grandchildren, Caleb, Theo, Asher, Will, Lettie, Scarlett and T.K.

Also surviving DeWitt are several special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland at 5:00 p.m. on September 14th with visitation at 4:00 p.m. Burial will follow on September 15th at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, Mississippi.