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BORN
1927
DIED
2024
Abit Massey Obituary
For 48 years, Massey served as the president of the Georgia Poultry Federation (GPF) after joining the organization in 1960. He retired in 2009 but remained active as president emeritus.
"Abit Massey was a true force and a well-known personality throughout the entire state whose name is synonymous with Georgia's thriving poultry industry," Gov. Brian Kemp wrote in a statement, adding that "We will miss his welcome presence in the halls of the Capitol and most of all his friendship."
Read more about Abit Massey on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Abit Massey
29 Entries
Connie Reilly
July 11, 2024
I was blessed to be able to meet Abit photograph him and paint an oil portrait of him for the Little White House of GA. shortly before he became ill. He treated me like I had been his long time friend. He and Kay Ann and Camille were extremely pleased with the likeness of the painting and that I had captured the twinkle in his eye and that Abit Massey smile. I will treasure my experience with him always. What an amazing man that contributed so much to so many. My sincere and heart felt condolences to the Massey Family.
Claudia Lacy
July 9, 2024
I am a relative of Alma Murray and when I was in Gainesville for appts Alma and I would go to lunch. One day we went to Longstreet Cafe and Abit and Kaye Anne joined us. I had not seen them since I lived next door to his mother in Commerce in the 60´s. Of course Abit knew my name and commented on some memories from that time. What a great memory he had! He and Kaye Anne were so gracious and kind. It was fun to hear his stories and all about his experiences! Those special times were cut short this summer and I miss him and I miss seeing Kaye Anne too. I want Kaye Anne to know I am very sorry for her loss. It´s a loss for many of us. I love you Kaye Anne!
Claudia Lacy
Dan Blackshear
June 22, 2024
Have great memories of Abit. I am a 65 and 67 graduate of UGA. A very active 4-H member, state winner in poultry in 95 and represented GA in national congress. Rock Eagle counselor 62, 62, 63 and 64. Only worked in the GA poultry three years at Gold Kist, however continued in the industry through 08. Great memories of Abit and his brother. Great memories of his leadership and the industry he led in Georgia.
Faye Shadburn
June 20, 2024
abit was a great man. He was a mentor to me.He was warm and had a good sense of humor. He was very intelligent.
Dr. Joe Moprrow
June 18, 2024
We as members of the Advisory Board of the Little White House in Warm Springs, Ga. express pour sincere sadness in the loss of Abit. He was our Chairman for 25 years...and we made tremendous progress in improving the site for future generations of Americans. He led us through us through many difficult times. Our prayers go out to his family and close friends. The Advisory Board and the Friends of the Little White House will miss him. He was a guiding light for us for many years.
DR. Joe Morrow
Mark Zimmerman
June 18, 2024
Abit was an Awesome Southern Gentleman very kind to All and an absolute professional. He was an great friend to GWCC.
Linda Calhoun
June 17, 2024
I met Abit through our daughter and her work with Georgia Women of Achievement. I appreciate all his care and kindness for Tina. Abit gave of himself in many ways to help and care for others. He was an outstanding leader. He certainly lived life to the fullest. My prayers are for his family. He will be missed by many.
Griff Doyle
June 17, 2024
What an extraordinary man. We will miss you.
Dr Hal "Toby" Raper
June 17, 2024
How we will miss our esteemed leader and dear friend of 25 years. Thank you for keeping alive the memory of FDR.
With our Love,
The FDR Little White House Advisory Committee
Debbie Garner
June 17, 2024
Abit was a great man!! I always was grateful when I saw him coming in Matthew's Printing Company . He was a funny character, picking on us and we picked back. He made us laugh with his jokes . Gonna miss him so much!!! Last time I got to see him was when he came dressed for Halloween to Northeast Ga Medical Center and they called me out to see him and 3 other friends of his. He was a blessing!!!
Debbie Garner
Paula Heard Gault
June 16, 2024
A great man who led such a meaningful life. I first met him many years ago through my father Mark Heard and our family´s poultry businesses . He was always a true teacher and encourager. Abit was a public servant who made our communities, Georgia, and nation better places. Prayers for Kayanne and family.
Douglas Cosby
June 16, 2024
Abit was a man who never met a stranger and with a kind word, gentle smile and firm handshake left everyone feeling better for having met him. A legend, a giant and a friend. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go with his family and friends at this time of loss.
Doug
Emily Bracewell
June 16, 2024
Sorry to hear of Mr. Massey´s passing. Loved to get to know the family during Kayanne´s time at Emory. A special family
Emily Bracewell
Sandra Gordy Massell
June 16, 2024
Abit was the epitome of a Southern gentleman.
Brenda Glidewell
June 16, 2024
A truly great man who greeted everyone with a kind word and a big smile, always remembering their name. He led the Ga Poultry Industry to great heights. He will be missed.
Matt Gwynn
June 16, 2024
Every one of us in Georgia owes you gratitude for your service and example on how to live a good life.
Lori Ethridge
June 16, 2024
Abit´s quick wit, gentle humor, incredible intellect and gracious demeanor will be missed by all who loved and respected him. Sending sincere sympathies to his immediate and extended families.
Lori Ethridge
Theresa Hall Grant
June 16, 2024
A remarkable and wonderful man. A great friend of my father and family. Many fond memories.
Richard Combes, Georgia Tech Research Institute (retired)
June 16, 2024
Abit was extraordinary mentor to me in learning the poultry industry and in dealing with Georgia's Legislature. He was a master of Georgia's industrial development.
Maxine and Bob Burton
June 16, 2024
Abit was a wonderful southern gentleman that will always be remembered by many thought out the state. He already had a big smile on his face. We will miss him.
Clay Pirkle
June 16, 2024
There are very few people who have had as lasting an impact in their walk on this earth as Mr. Abit. Always gracious and always a kind word. My life is more full having had his life intersect briefly with mine. May God bless his family and enrich them with great, and lasting memories.
Bob Bilbrough
June 16, 2024
Maya Angelou said, "At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel."
Abit remembered names and enough about those he met, every encounter was familiar and affirming.
We will miss the gracious soul.
Scott Powers
June 16, 2024
Mr. Massey was a wonderful human being who was always gracious and kind to everyone that he came into contact with. He will be missed!
Waldrip Donald
June 16, 2024
Loads of good memories!
Cader Cox III
June 16, 2024
Abit Massey was a great man, and my friend. His smiling face and wisdom will be missed by all of the citizens of our great state!
Cader Cox
Judy Neal
June 16, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Abit Massey in the late 60's! From that first meeting until his passing, my opinion of him never changed. He was always a gentleman, a man of honor and integrity, an exceptional husband, father, friend, and advocate for the poultry industry. His smile and goodness will never be forgotten!
Al & Mary Crace
June 16, 2024
A Most Gracious Gentleman who shared his optimism and positive outlook with all of us!
Mary & I send our sincere condolences to Abit´s Family at this time of their loss.
Al & Mary Crace
Missie and Bill Pierce
June 15, 2024
Abit was a dear, long time friend. The entire State of GA has lost a man who genuinely cared about his home and family!
Missie and Bill Pierce
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