Billy Massey

December 6, 1949 - August 5, 2014

Mr. Billy Wayne "Poppy" Massey, age 64 of Columbia, passed away Tuesday morning, August 5, 2014 in NHC-Hillview. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 5:00 PM from the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home, officiated by Butch Martin and Bobby Smartt. Burial will follow in the Garden of Peace at Maury Memorial Gardens, adjacent to the funeral home. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Mr. Massey was born December 6, 1949 in Maury County and was the son of the late John Massey, Jr. and Christine Darnell Massey. He was employed with the City of Columbia Wastewater Department and a member of the Baptist faith. Poppy loved sports, especially when his grandchildren were playing. He attended as many games as possible, cheering them on at any opportunity. He enjoyed coaching softball, umpiring girls softball, fishing and just sitting on the porch watching the traffic go by. On a professional sports level he enjoyed watching the Tennessee Titans. Poppy is survived by his wife of 45 years: Masel Bryson Massey of Columbia; two daughters: Shannon (Ken) Webb and Stephanie (Brian) Lovett both of Columbia; 4 sisters: Fay Reaves of Smyrna, Patsy South of Columbia, Vicky Brown and Janie Matthews both of Nashville; 3 grandchildren: Robert Webb (and fiancé Brittany Fallin), Todd Webb and Gage Lovett; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Poppy was preceded in death by two brothers: Jimmy Darnell and Tommy Ray Massey; and a sister: Linda Darnell. Pallbearers will be William Bryson, Gene Bryson, Danny Bryson Larry Bryson, Shane Newcomb, Chris Bryson, Darrell South, Jonathan Paisley, Jeremy Paisley, Jason Paisley, Jeremy Bryson and Greg Bryson. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following for their exceptional care, compassion and support of their family during Poppy's illness, and requests that they serve as honorary pallbearers: Lee Ann Massey, Brittany Fallin, Dr. Gardner and staff, Dr. Amit Choksi, Dr. Kelley Jefferson, Dr. Houston Jameson, Dr. Janice Vinson, Staff at NHC-Hillview, Fifth Floor Staff and Emergency Department at Maury Regional Medical Center, Maury County Paramedics Team, Dr. Andrew Sisk, Lindsey Mangrum, Hope Webb, Shannon Parker and the staff of Maury Regional Home Health Services.