Charles Bryant Massey

Mr. Charles Bryant Massey, 78, a resident of Honoraville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, November 30, in Mt. Zion Cemetery, also known as The Lodge, with Pastor Russ Whitten delivering the eulogy and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mr. Massey was larger than life in many ways. In addition to his impressive physical stature, he was a man of impeccable character, great talents, creativity, and intelligence. He was a people person, and had immense love for all he met. Most importantly, he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Charles was born and raised in beautiful Honoraville, Alabama to Morris L. and Ethel H. Massey on June 20, 1941. He attended Honoraville School, and later graduated from Highland Home High School. He met and wed his lovely red-headed bride, Ellen, on June 1, 1963. Ellen and Charles were best friends and were happily married for 56 wonderful years.

Charles made a successful career of farming and ranching. He ran a large farming operation that spanned over 1000 acres at its height. It was a perfect career choice, as he was a great lover of nature, science, animals, and conservation.

Charles loved his neighbors and community, and served them in many ways. He was the first fire chief of the Honoraville Volunteer Fire Department, which was founded in 1973. He served as a volunteer firefighter for several years. Later, after he no longer served as a fireman, he donated the land for the current fire station in Honoraville. He began serving on the Quint Mar Water Board in 1992, and was chairman of the board for many years. He also served on the Crenshaw County Soil and Water Conservation District from 1998 -2019, until his health declined.

Charles was a jack of all trades. He had many hobbies which included fishing, painting, horticulture, building, watching movies, and spending time with his loving family. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved history, and telling stories. He adored spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, who will forever miss him.

Mr. Massey was preceded in death by his parents, Morris L. and Ethel Harwood Massey. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen Stephenson Massey; their daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Russ Whitten; and two grandchildren, Savannah Massey Whitten and Charles Jackson Whitten.

Active pallbearers will be Gary Owens, Matthew Pouncey, Jimmy Massey, Carl Massey, John Massey, and Jimmy Walker. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time.