Richard Massey

Charles Richard Massey, 81, passed away on January 16, 2025, from a sudden illness at his home surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on January 2, 1944 in Marshall, TX, to Andrew Jackson Massey, Jr and Dora Marie Massey.
He graduated from Jesse Jones High School in Houston, TX in 1962 where he meet the love of his life, Mary, and many lifelong friends.
Richard married Mary McCowen Massey on April 19,1963 in Houston, TX. They were happily married for 59 years before her passing. The couple had two children, Mindy Jackson and Ricky Massey, both of Liberty Hill, TX.
Richard worked as a machinist for the Arco/Lyondell Plant in Houston for 18 years. In 1982, he patented a shaft alignment tool and started A-Line Mfg. He retired from Arco in 1985 to run A-Line full-time to make and sell his alignment tools. Richard and Mary ran A-line for more than 40 years shipping alignment tools to many parts of the world. The business opened up many opportunities for them, but they were more grateful of the colleagues and friends they met along the way. They always looked forward annually to the TAMU Turbo and Pump Symposiums. Always more fun than work. Richard retired in 2022 and transferred A-Line Mfg to his nephew to continue the business into the future.
Richard was best known as a devoted husband, caring dad, and loving Poppa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In recent years, he was able to spend more cherishing times chatting with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing games with his great-grandson and relaxing while rocking his great granddaughter listening to music. He was also a great friend to many.
Richard was always creative. In his early years he created beautiful stained glass art pieces. He also turned his creativity towards woodworking and wood carving. There was no project he would not try to do for Mary. They were both passionate about DIY projects making their houses a home filled with character and reflections of their passions for collecting antiques and tools. He enjoyed traveling and camping with family and many friends from La Porte. He also camped with The Woodcarvers where he would be creative carving wood pieces and playing the guitar at night. Richard was very proud that he and Mary traveled to all 50 states except Hawaii. Their travels also took them to Canada, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. He recently took his daughter on a pilgrimage to Italy which strengthened his faith. He was a former member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America and enjoyed being a gentleman rancher watching his longhorn cattle from his porch and drinking a beer with friends.
Richard was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in La Porte, TX and was an active 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus before moving to Liberty Hill in 1999. He became a member of Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Andice, TX where he continued to volunteer with the Knights.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Mindy Jackson and husband David Jackson. His son, Ricky Massey and wife Joy Massey. His grandchildren, Joshua Massey and wife Dakota Massey, Marysa Zieschang and husband Randy Zieschang, and Colt Jackson. His great-grandchildren, Grayson and Ava Zieschang. In April, soon to be born great-grandson to Josh and Dakota. His brothers, Ron and Warren Massey. His sisters, Debbie Klotz and Becky Bird. Numerous nieces and nephews. Family friends and neighbors.
Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Massey. His mother and father, Dora Marie and Andrew Jackson Massey. His brothers, Robert, Mike, and Jack Massey and his sister, Delores White.
The family of Richard Massey would like to invite you to celebrate him with a service at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Andice, TX on Saturday, February 1st at 11:00. There will be a reception after in Carr Hall. We would like to commemorate Richard with any photos or stories you may like to share.
Garner State Park was a very special place for Richard and Mary. They started dating the fall of 1960 and he asked her to go steady there in the summer of 1961. They spent many summer vacations and dances with their children, grandchildren and friends throughout their lives. Celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary there was a special event. This spring, the family is planning an intimate ceremony to celebrate their lives where they will scatter their ashes together off Old Baldy.
Richard was always there to lend a helping hand when needed and wanted to be remembered as a Good Christian, Family Man, and Gentleman. He had a wonderful life.
In lieu of flowers and donations, hug your loved ones and hold them tight. Tell them how much you love them day and night.