Jerry Massie

Funeral services for retired Sgt. Maj. Jerry Massie, 76, of Killeen, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Shaun L. Moton officiating. Interment will be at Killeen Memorial Park.


Jerry Massie graced this earthly realm with his unique and wonderful presence on July 8, 1939. He was born in the city of Camden, Arkansas; assigned to the parental stewardship of his mother and father, Ruth and Henry Massie Sr.

At the tender age of twelve he established the security of his eternal destiny by accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. This momentous and memorable experience took place in 1952 at the historical Whitis Chapel Baptist Church, also located in Camden, Arkansas.

The formal years of his education were spent in the public schools of Camden. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. As a respectable young man on a mission to establish a reliable livelihood, he understood the pillar of reliable living is deeply rooted in personal responsibility. As such, he initiated his immediate investment towards the progressive fruit of a profitable livelihood.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army on November 10, 1958. By Military Occupational Specialty he initially enlisted as an Infantryman. Over his many tours of duty and military schooling, he was privileged to serve the Army in many capacities including but not limited to: a Race Relations Equal Opportunity Specialist and, as a skilled saxophonist and member of the Army band. During one of his tours of duty he became acquainted with the infamous musician, Jimmy Hendrix. The two collaborated to form a band which would be named, "The QT's." This would prove to be one of the innumerable highlights and memorable experiences of his military career. After serving his country for 30 years, he honorably retired on December 31, 1988 at the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major.

Among many significant highlights throughout the course of his earthly tenure was when he became acquainted and associated with the inimitable, Yvonne Evelyn Kelly. Their friendship evolved into the beauty of a relationship, bearing the fruit of undeniable companionship. The quality of their companionship would yield the affirmation of their unmistakable compatibility. The two would publicly affirm the assignment of their inseparable bond on April 19, 1962 when they entered the union of holy matrimony. The Lord honored this union by endowing them with the blessings of three beautiful children.
On the afternoon of December 3, 2015 Brother Jerry Massie was gently summoned into the eternal Presence of our Heavenly Father. Among those who preceded his deliverance from this earthly life are his Parents: Ruth and Henry Massie Sr.; and one Sister: Glenda Massie.

Among the host of immediate and extended family members who remain to cherish his life and legacy are his loving and devoted Wife of 54 years: Yvonne Massie of Killen, Texas; three Children: Jerry N. Massie of Addison, Texas, Derrick Massie (Nicole) of Desoto, Texas and, Courtney Ladson (Nathaniel) of Killeen, Texas; three Siblings: Henry Massie Jr. (Rosa) of Fullerton, California, Lillie Kendrick (Leotis) of Camden, Arkansas, Lee Arthur Hunter (Rosie) of Washington D.C. and, Leon Hunter of O'fallen, Illinois; four Grandchildren: Nate'vyonne Ladson, Nae'tasha Ladson, Nae'tavia Ladson each of Killeen, Texas, and Nicholas Joseph Elias Massie of Desoto, Texas; and an extended host of other loving relatives and close friends.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, which is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Chapel
506 N. 38th Street
Killeen, TX  76543
Friday, December 11, 2015
6-8 P.M.

Service

Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church
2901 Illinois Ave.
Killeen, TX  76542
Saturday, December 12, 2015
11:00 A.M.

Cemetery

Killeen Memorial Park
3516 Lake Road
Killeen, TX  76543