Hershal Massey

Hershal H. Massey, Jr., passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was the beloved son of the late Hershal H. Massey, Sr. and the late Irene Fleeman Massey. Hershal's family roots in Texas ran deep-his paternal grandparents, Robert and Paralee Massey, moved from Tennessee to Midlothian in 1868 and raised eight children, with Hershal Sr. being the youngest. On his mother's side, J.D. and Wavie Fleeman settled in Sardis in 1871, where they too raised eight children; Irene was their youngest. It would be many years before Hershal Sr. and Irene met, courted, and married, on December 1, 1927, eventually welcoming two sons into the world: Hershal, Jr. and his younger brother, Olen.
Hershal is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Victoria, his daughter Melissa and her husband Greg McAdoo, and four grandsons whom he lovingly called "awesome": Matthew Ross McAdoo and his wife Kami, Gregory McAdoo, Christian McAdoo and his wife Danae, and Cash McAdoo, who is proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. Hershal was also looking forward with great joy to the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Baby McAdoo, due in February. He is survived by his son Trey Massey. He is also survived by his devoted sisters-in-laws Beverly Ann Meade and Janice Massey, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Olen, and his daughter, Ilona Langlinas.
A graduate of Grand Prairie High School, Hershal went on to earn his Bachelor's degree and later a degree in Banking and Finance from Southern Methodist University's Graduate School of Banking and Finance. His career in banking began humbly as a teller during high school and college, but he quickly rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Bank of Services and Trust. He later became its President-the youngest bank president in the state of Texas at the time. He also served on the board of the American Institute of Banking, where he was nominated as President and helped lead the organization to many first-place awards in national debate competitions. Over the course of his career, he served as President and Chairman of the board of several banks, traveling across the country for national banking conferences.
A dedicated community leader, Hershal was a member of the West Cliff Lions Club, serving in many leadership positions, and was a faithful member of Glen Oaks Methodist Church before joining Preston Road Methodist Church when his career took him to North Dallas. He also contributed his talents as part-time Finance Manager for the church.
In addition to banking, Hershal pursued business ownership, becoming co-owner of Lone Star Dodge, where he remained for 22 years.
After retiring and moving to Midlothian in 1990, Hershal still found ways to serve. When asked to temporarily fill in as a driver for the Senior Citizens Center, he turned what was supposed to be a short-term commitment into three years of dedicated service, delivering meals and companionship to local seniors.
Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Hershal was passionate about fishing. Victoria surprised him with a lake home at Cedar Creek Lake, where he spent countless weekends fishing with his grandsons, preachers, doctors, friends, and anyone who wanted to join. Known for his skill, Hershal and Vicki joined a bass club where they won District awards six times and qualified for State competitions twice over 10 years. Along with his many trophies, and his legendary fish fries, Hershal found joy in sharing the sport with others.
Hershal lived with conviction, believing that things were either right or wrong-never grey. He was an active member of the First Methodist Church in Midlothian, faithfully serving as an usher, continuing a family tradition of service that began in 1868. He also gave generously of his time to the Senior Citizens Food Pantry, often lending his voice in song and furnishing food for their many fundraisers.
Always impeccably dressed, kind-hearted, and devoted to his faith and family, Hershal was a man of integrity who touched countless lives. He loved God, his family, the fellowship of his "Round Table" friends, and his community.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.