Douglas Harold Massey's Obituary
Douglas Harold Massey passed away November 14th, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Germantown, TN due to pulmonary complications. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Doug was born on March 22nd, 1941 to Hooper and Artie Massey in Finger, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings – his brothers, Freddie, Jerry and Leon Massey and his sister Dorothy Hudson.
Doug graduated from Messick High School in 1959. He absolutely loved planning class reunions and kept up with all his classmates over the years. After high school graduation, he served in the United States Army reserves for 6 years, 1959-1965.
Married February 11th, 1961, he was a loving and devoted husband to Sandra Volmer Massey for 62 years. They traveled the world together, built a wonderful family, and loved each other unconditionally. They loved attending BOP club parties; they were excellent dancers!
He leaves his daughters, Kimberly Neighbors (Bobby), Judge Karen Massey, and his son Doug Massey.
He was known as G-Daddy to his grandchildren: Michael Porter (Brittany), Clay Porter (Rachel), Rachel Snider (Kevin), and Samantha Massey. He also had great grandchildren, Jackson and Wyatt Porter, Ellie Cole Porter, and Cole Snider. His grandchildren and greats meant the absolute world to him. G-Daddy never missed a baseball or football game for Michael and Clay and cheerleading competitions for Rachel. Samantha grew up going to all the classic cars shows with her G-Daddy, he let her accept every award he won at a show!
He established his own business, American Electric Motors, Inc in 1973. He technically retired as President in 2012, but he never truly retired. He continued to work around the shop or help his grandson Michael, the current owner, any time he needed. He loved the company he created and was proud of its continuation in the family after his retirement.
Doug loved classic cars and was the owner of several over the years. He went to all the classic car shows in the area, and even traveled around the South to compete in them. One of his favorite car shows was Cruisin’ the Coast in Biloxi, where he and Sandy would go and stay at the Beau Rivage!
Doug was a huge University of Memphis supporter. He never missed a Tiger football game – at home or away. He said many times that it would always be Memphis State to him! He was President of the Highland Hundred Club in 1978. During his membership, the first TOM the Tiger was purchased. He along with other members built the first travel trailer for TOM the Tiger at his business. He along with other members worked closely with the park commission to establish a private parking area at the stadium for football games. This hard work started the tradition of TIGER Tailgating. He loved his Memphis Tigers!
The service is Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, Memphis, TN 38119. Visitation at 10:30am, Mass at 11:30am, and reception to follow at the church. Private burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or Tunnel 2 Towers: https://t2t.org/
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