John Raymond Massey, 78, of Donalds, widower of Gloria Jean Ward Massey, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his home.

Born November 26, 1947, in Greenwood, he was a son of the late John Waters Massey and Lillie Louise Satcher Massey. He worked at Greenwood Mills for more than forty years before retiring. Following his retirement, he continued working as a custodian at Lakeview Elementary School and Hodges Elementary School.

A loving father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he cherished his family and the friendships he made throughout his life. With Raymond, once a friend, always a friend. He was a hard worker who loved cutting grass and doing yard work. He also enjoyed relaxing and swimming in his daughter’s pool.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Reames (Johnson); sister, Mary Gail Miller (Lanny); brothers, Leon Massey, Larry Massey, and Marvin Massey (Belinda); grandchildren, Tyler Pardue (Holley) and Crispin Pardue (Savannah); and great grandchildren, Scarlet Pardue and Ryder Pardue.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Jerry Watton Ward and Eula Mae Ward; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Massey and Alice Massey; and brother-in-law, Bobby Joe Ward.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wayne Wicker, Ray Massey, and Brian Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Billy Ray Ward, Mike Massey, John Massey, Steven Duncan, Lamar Miller, and Mike Ward. 

Honorary escort will be School District 50 custodial staff.

The family will recieve friends before the service from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Todd Gallman and Dr. Joanna Sadurski for their care.