Vernon Paul Massey, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family that he loved deeply on April 10, 2018. He was born on February 13, 1937. Mr. Massey was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS. He was the owner of Massey Construction Company until he retired and his sons took over ownership of the family business.

Survived by his sons Steve (Amy) Massey & Ronnie (Felicia) Massey of Starkville, MS; he was “Precious Papa” to grandchildren Tasha (Mark) Massey Maupin of Logan, AL, Dixie (Steven) Massey Albright, Daisy (Brad) Massey Davis, Shelby Massey & Houston Massey all of Starkville, MS; great-grandchildren Jacob & Branson Maupin of Logan, AL, Wyatt & Madelyn Davis and Scarlett Albright all of Starkville, MS; brother Felix Massey of Sturgis and sister Gladys Massey Wiley of Starkville, MS and a host of nieces & nephews.

Proceeded in death seven months ago by his wife of 62 years Claudene Johns Massey, grandson Matthew Massey, his father J.D. Massey, his mother Grace Massey O’Kelley, brothers Birnes Massey and Ralph Massey.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home, Starkville. Funeral service is Thursday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with visitation prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Dan Robertson, Bro. Hal Selby and Bro. Charles Smith will be conducting the service. Burial will be at Craig Springs Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or Golden Triangle Outdoors (Attn: Debbie Taylor, 224 State Line Rd., Columbus, MS 39702).