Billy Joe Massey

Funeral services for Billy Joe Massey will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Howell Thrash and Bro. Victor Bugg officiating. Burial will follow in New Bethel Cemetery in Neshoba County. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at McClain-Hays Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Massey, 82, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Mr. Billy Joe Massey was known by his family and friends as a sweet, loving man always willing to lend a helping hand and words of wisdom. He and Joan were married 54 years. They were high school sweethearts and had a love story most people wish for. He was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, MS. Mr. Massey served as a deacon of New Pleasantdale Baptist Church where he never failed to love like Jesus. Known as a mule trader, Mr. Massey loved to make a deal; and people always said he would trade anything but his wife, Joan. His favorite hobby was mule pull competitions. He retired from U. S. Motors as a well-liked supervisor where he was known as being fair and leading by example. In his later years, Mr. Massey loved spending time with his family. He had a special place in his heart for kids and was blessed by a host of great-grandchildren who knew him as “Massey”. Survivors include son, Anthony Massey (Edna) of Philadelphia; sister, Janie Nowell of Philadelphia; sister, Brenda Cowden of Springfield, MO, brother, Chalmus Massey (Janice) of Collinsville; grandson, Cody Massey (Marilyn); granddaughters, Crystal Dolan (Justin) and Naomi Massey; great-grandchildren, Andrei Martin, Trent Massey, Chase Massey, Aubreigh Massey, Caitlin Massey, Aiden Dolan, Lucy Jo Dolan, Sadie Dolan, Dixie Abel, Anson Stuart, and Joanna Stuart; several nieces, nephews, and their families; and his beloved mules, Pat and Nell. Preceding Mr. Massey in death were his wife, Joan Massey; brother, Jerome Massey; grandson, John Massey; parents, Bernice and Lessie Massey. Pallbearers are Cody Massey, Wade Massey, David Kilpatrick, Lamar Savell, Barry Massey, and Craig Massey. Honorary pallbearers are Sid Williams, Marion Spears, Tommy Rushing, Herman J. Savell, Chad Cowden, and Frankie Hindman.