Peyton Howard Massey Jr.

Howard was married to Elizabeth (“Betsy”) Shumaker on October 3, 1942. They were married 72 years. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Betsy, brother Bill Massey, and sister Dorothy Ankers. He is survived by daughters Betsy Alls (Curtis), Carol Wiswall (Stuart), Suzanne Shoemaker (Mike), eight grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.

Howard was born in Zebulon, N.C. on October 4, 1922, to Peyton Howard and Roselle Sears Massey. He graduated from Wakelon High School and continued to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees from N.C. State University and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. His education was interrupted due to his enlistment in the military (during WWII). Howard served in the Army and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge (under General Patton) near the German border and was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering he completed his education and then was hired by Virginia Tech (in Blacksburg, VA.) where he taught Horticulture and later became the Associate Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences and International Studies. Howard and Betsy’s door was always open to international students and family alike.

Howard had a true passion for growing vegetables and was well known for his prolific tomatoes. He had a servant’s heart which was apparent in his church and civic involvement (including his time as a Rotary District Governor). He was an avid college football and basketball fan (supporting the Va. Tech Hokies and N.C. State Wolfpack). He and Betsy enjoyed their retirement years in Raleigh traveling and spending time with friends and family.

A visitation for Howard will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow the service at Old Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Durrant Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

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