Ricky Haywood Massey

Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Ricky Haywood Massey, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Ricky Haywood Massey passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on August 29, 1948, in Grapevine, Arkansas, Ricky was the son of Harvey and Zella Massey. From an early age, he embodied the values of integrity, discipline, and dedication that would come to define both his life and his service to his country.

Ricky proudly served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, achieving the rank of SMSgt before retiring. During his distinguished career, he was stationed in Arkansas, New York, Texas, Guam, North Dakota, and Louisiana, with temporary assignments in Alaska and deployments to Thailand and Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War.

In November 1980, MSgt Massey’s innovative leadership earned him a personal letter of commendation from President Jimmy Carter, recognizing his contribution to improving government efficiency and achieving projected annual savings of more than $100,000 through the U.S. Air Force Suggestion Program.

Throughout his career, SMSgt Massey earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Following his retirement from active duty, Ricky continued his commitment to service through Civil Service with the U.S. Air Force. Outside of work, he was known for his love of cooking, music, hands-on projects, traveling with his wife and children, watching his grandchildren grow up, and his generosity and willingness to help others.

Ricky married Retha C. Ingram on April 26, 1969, and together they shared a lifetime of love and family. He is survived by his three sons: Richard Massey of Bossier City, Louisiana; Terry (Nichole) Massey of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Robert (Corina) Massey of Little Elm, Texas. He was a proud grandpa to seven grandchildren: Jessica Massey of Springfield, Missouri; Nicholas Massey, Alexis Massey, and Emma Massey of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Shelby, Eli, and Abram Massey of Little Elm, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Zella Massey; his beloved wife, Retha Massey; and his siblings Everett “Red” Massey, Odis Massey, Doris Lucille Lisenbey, Delphine Bradshaw, Norma’Lee Massey-Wooldridge, and Harvey Ray Massey.

Today, we find comfort in knowing that Ricky is reunited with the love of his life, his wife Retha, and together they rest in peace — hand in hand once more.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Buie & Cole Funeral Home, 1301 S. Rock, Sheridan, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by services at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Davis Cemetery in Grapevine, Arkansas, following the service.

Ricky will be remembered for his devotion to duty, his steadfast love for family, and his enduring patriotism.

“Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Pallbearers: Frank Goodfellow, Brian Jagoda, Butch Blundell, Robert Phillips, Chuck Phillips, Terry Kearney, and Tim Kearney.