Ray Massey Sr

Mr. Ray H. Massey, Sr., was born and raised in the city of Winston-Salem to the parents of George and Cora Massey. He attended the local schools, and he was a retired employee of the city of Winston-Salem. He was married to the late Mary Ann Taylor Massey. They were both devoted members of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He enjoyed his family. He was a solid father, trusting brother, uncle, and friend. He spent many times on the road traveling from state to state with his siblings and was often the host home for the family visitors. There was no one staying in hotels; everybody would sleep at his house. The children would even bunk in the back of his truck, where he had beds installed for their pleasure. Ray enjoyed a lot of things in life, including the Lord. Ray Sr. joined the Gilmore Funeral Home staff as a teenager, serving as an ambulance driver for Angels of Mercy, one of the lead Funeral Assistants, and a funeral home hearse driver. He was a steady presence at both the Fifth Street and Liberty locations, always mentoring new staff and leading with quiet strength. He had an amazing voice; he sang lead in his church at Emmanuel Baptist on Smith Street. He also served on the Usher Board, drove the church vans to pick up church members, and he picked up and folded the church bulletins. He was also the lead singer in the renowned group, The Golden Harmoneers, and was the last living member of the group. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, and sports. He often traveled for the experiences with his brothers, specifically George. Ray is a soul that will be missed by everyone who ever got to know him. He was known to be a sharp dresser, very prideful in his appearance, charismatic, comical, and caring. He was the epitome of a man, and we were blessed to have a deposit from him in our individual lives. He was preceded in death by two, Zanelle Galloway and Vermella Bryant. Three brothers preceded him in death: George T. Massey, Jr., (Anette), Norman Massey, and Larry Massey; Ray left behind the following people to carry on his legacy: two sons, Ray Massey, Jr., and Troy Massey; one daughter, Carolyn Massy; one granddaughter, Erica Pauling; one great-granddaughter, Olivia Pauling; two grandsons, Bernard (Maurice) Jefferson and Troy Massey, Jr.; one sister, Vivian Jones; and two brothers, Reverend Henry (Bessie) Massy and Rodney (Rip) Massey. as well as two goddaughters, Bobby and Stephanie Peebles; two very special nieces, his protege, he would say, Nicole Tisdale (Gavin) and Shirley Faye Boyd (Jimmy); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ray Massey Sr

May 11, 1941 - June 23, 2025