Ellsworth Franklin "Frank" Massey Jr.
March 17, 1941 - March 6, 2025
A great man finished his earthly journey on March 6, 2025, and joined his brothers and sister in heaven. Franklin Ellsworth Massey, Jr. of Morganton, was born in West Virginia, March 17, 1941. He grew up in the mountain community of Licklog in Avery County. After a storied childhood roaming the hills with his siblings, cousins and friends he met the love of his life, Evelyn Mckinney. They embarked on many adventures in their 62 years of marriage, from living in New Jersey and Michigan for a number of years to settling in Morganton, NC to raise a family. From shy beginnings to never meeting a stranger, Frank regaled us with hilarious stories of his youth and the escapades of his work family from BASF. With his country charm and mountain talk he easily made friends with everyone he met. Frank was a member of the Church of Christ in Â鶹´«Ã½ and loved his Church family. He lived a Christian life and stated he was ready to meet his maker when the end came. Frank was born the 3rd child of Fannie Hughs and Ellsworth Franklin Massey, Sr. His brothers David, Mac and Gary and his sister Frankie preceded him in death. He is survived by two sisters Rinda Odom of Newland, NC and Phyllis Ann Arrowood of Fuquay, NC. Although he was legally blind, he unselfishly cared, cooked and cleaned for his wife Evelyn after she began cancer treatments and was eventually diagnosed with dementia. He never lost faith during these years but remained upbeat, loving and positive. He was blessed to have many nieces and nephews that loved their Uncle Frank. Additionally, He loved his grandchildren Marlene', (Matt), Alan, and Meggie (PK) and spoke fondly about them. His daughter Shannon Vetter and son Keith Massey along with their spouses Brian Vetter and Mindi Massey are also left behind to share the loving memories of their father. He loved his children immensely without fault and instilled in them core values of love, kindness, and giving that he carried throughout his life. They were his greatest gift. Shannon and Keith want to thank an additional family member, Betty Feimster, for all her time, love and care to Frank and Evelyn. She is a true friend and family member to them, and we are forever grateful they had such a friend. Our Dad was a great husband, father and friend. He loved to hunt and fish and was an avid reader and cook. He loved pickling his jalapeno peppers every year that he grew from his garden and shared with everyone. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service for Frank will be held at 11 a.m. (no visitation per his wishes) on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Kirksey Funeral Home at 406 Lenoir Road, Â鶹´«Ã½ NC. In lieu of flowers he would want people to make a kind gesture to someone to make them smile and know they are cared for. Special Thanks to Jaime, Jordan, Mike, Lori and the rest of the team at UNC "Grace" Blue Ridge. Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton, North Carolina is serving the family.
Massey, Ellsworth
