Larry Massey

Larry Massey, 82, of Sherwood, Arkansas went to his heavenly home on August 15, 2025.

He was born October 7, 1942, to his parents William Henry and Opal Massey of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He grew up in Arkadelphia and worked at the family business at 501 Main St, Massey’s Grocery store. In the following years, Larry then met the love of his life, Vernus L. Massey. They married on December 7, 1963, at ages 21 (Larry) and 17 (Vernus). They truly had a one-of-a-kind marriage where they loved, bickered, and doted on one another for 58 wonderful years. Larry went on to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War and as a Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard. He went on to work for The Union Pacific Railroad where he dedicated 28 years as a conductor. During his time working on the railroad, he created lifelong friendships into his retirement that he cherished greatly. Larry also worked as a boat mechanic at H2O Sportz for many years and enjoyed the time spent there working side by side with more lifelong friends.

Larry lived an exciting life outside of the military and work that included racing cars and boats. It was the boat racing he lost his left pinky finger to. Larry loved being outdoors and hunted and fished every chance he could in his earlier years. He spent long deer seasons out in Antoine, Arkansas, at the deer hunting lease with all of his hunting buddies. He especially loved fishing with his son Will; they fished for many years together statewide, representing H2O Sportz in sponsorship. They won several tournaments over the years and created quite a reputation that made the other competitors say, “Oh no, here come the Massey boys.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and Opal Massey, his wife Vernus L. Massey, and son William V. Massey. Larry is survived by his daughters Gail Massey (Michelle) of North Little Rock, Cherie Massey (William) of Benton; grandchildren, Ashley Massey (Ethan) of Bauxite, Larry Scott Massey of Benton, Morgan Massey of Memphis, TN, Korban Massey of North Little Rock, and Tayler Neal (Justin) of Conway with his great-grandchild Patrick Neal; special son Ron Mihld (Debbie) of Yucaipa, CA; special daughter Shelia Talley of Sherwood; and a host of other family and friends.

Larry profoundly loved his family and friends; he always made them smile, laugh, and feel accepted regardless of whatever the circumstances were. There will never be a better “Stumpy,” “Zonker,” “Pops,” “Daddy” and “Papaw”; he will be missed incomprehensibly.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Friday, September 5th, 2025 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, 4647 Pine St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, AR. www.smithfamilycares.com