Elon Massey

Elon F. Massey

SALISBURY - Elon Franklin Massey, 97, of Salisbury, passed away Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at the W.G. Hefner VA Hospice House.

He was born Sept. 27, 1916, in Rowan County to the late John Franklin and Clara Koontz Massey.

Mr. Massey attended Rowan County schools, Boyden and East Spencer High School and was a graduate of Salisbury Business College.

A veteran of World War II, he had served in India, Libya, Lebanon and Cairo, Egypt. At the time of his release from active duty, he was stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

He received from the Military Intelligence Division War Department appreciation for his loyalty and devotion to duty while serving with Military Intelligence Division from Sept 1943-July 1945.

He was employed with Carolina Rubber Rolls and later BF Goodrich Co. as a customer service representative until his retirement in 1986.

Mr. Massey was a member of Salisbury Civitan Club where he had perfect attendance for 50 years and served the club in various positions. He was President of the club from 1967-1968, Best Club Secretary from 1965-1966, Civitan of the Year twice in 1975 and 1991, and received the club Honor Key in 1998.

Mr. Massey was a lifelong member of Trading Ford Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher, secretary and treasurer for many years and was ordained a deacon on June 11, 1961, serving until 1974. He also attended Haven Lutheran Church.

Preceding him in death are his daughter, Karen J. Massey; brother Herman K. Massey; and sister Leona Snider.

Surviving are his wife Ruth Brandon Massey; children Gary K. Massey of Salisbury and Dale L. Massey and wife Gwen of South Carolina; stepchildren Barry C. Lentz and wife Karin of Sebastian, Fla., Terry L. Fry of Georgetown, S.C., and Pam L. Gregor and husband Shane of Salisbury; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Visitation and Service: The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 19) at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at Summersett Memorial Chapel, conducted by Rev. Ed Harper. Burial will follow at Trading Ford Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center Hospice staff for their compassionate care.

Memorials: May be made to W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center Hospice, 1601 Brenner Ave., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com