Ernest Gregory "Greg" Massey

Ernest Gregory Massey "Greg," age 71 went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born October 29, 1952, in Vienna, Georgia to Ernest H. Massey and Florine Massey. He lived in Cordele, Georgia until he was two years old, and his parents relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where he grew up in Arlington. Greg attended local Elementary Schools and Arlington Junior High School where he found the joy of playing football. Greg graduated from Terry Parker High School and graduated in 1970, where he played football for all three years. He won numerous awards playing football at Terry Parker, including in his senior year Defensive Player of the year, and that lead to a scholarship at Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia. During his time at Gordon, he won awards for playing football and was in the ROTC at the college. No matter when Greg was in high school or college his Aunt Ruby spoiled him and his high school football teammates after practice by cooking breakfast when she was in Jacksonville. When he was at college, Greg brought his college football teammates to Cordele for the weekend for some good eating and Aunt Ruby would do their laundry. Greg worked a few jobs before working with Wells Fargo Armored Services. His passion was law enforcement, which lead him to employment with Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Officer starting at the Duval County Jail. He worked the back door of the jail for quite a few years and then moved to the Correctional Facility in Jacksonville where he retired in 2009 with 30 years of service to the Jacksonville Community.
Greg enjoyed his retirement being with his wife, children, family, and friends and especially the grandkids. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Growing up, Greg spent many summers in Georgia with his Aunts and Uncles on their farms and loved eating those country cooked meals. He especially loved fishing and teaching the grandkids fishing, which they continue to love. He was so proud of the adults Kathy, Billy and Charles became but nothing made him prouder than being PoPPop "Greg" to his grandkids and great grandkids. Greg was a handyman, which he learned those skills from his Dad. Of course, his Mom saw that he had those domestic skills, too! Greg was a wonderful and loving Husband, Dad, PopPop, Brother, Nephew, and true Friend to all.
Greg was proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Florine Massey and brother-in-law Gene Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda Massey; daughter, Kathy Polochak; two sons, Billy Polochak and Charles Polohak; three grandchildren, Roxanne Blaile (Tony), Tori Belcher (Trent), and Jayden Polochak; three great grandchildren, Brinley, Cori and Brooks; sister Jane Stewart; Aunt Lois Hall (Hud), Uncle John Massey (Nancy), and Uncle Ernie Bush; and many cousins and friends. Greg will always be in our hearts.
A memorial service for Ernest will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Following the memorial service, there will be a committal service at 3:00 PM in Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
In remembrance of Greg's life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Police Athletic League of Jacksonville at jaxpal.org/donate.
Arrangements under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS GREENLAWN FUNERAL HOME. 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904) 396-2522.