Ralph Edward (“Edward”) Massey, Jr. passed away on January 16, 2023. Edward was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was the kindest, most gracious man many of us have ever known. His life was rooted in his unbreakable faith in the Lord and unwavering dedication to his family.
Born to Ovida Mae Delmarter Massey and Ralph Edward Massey, Sr. on December 2, 1944, Edward was the oldest of eight children growing up in Chatom, Alabama. At Washington County High School, he excelled as an athlete and student and later attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. During college, Edward began dating the love of his life, Sally Ann Beech, also from Chatom, and they were married on August 8, 1969. The newlywed couple moved to Tuscaloosa as Edward began law school at The University of Alabama where he received his Juris Doctor in 1972.
After Edward received his J.D., the Masseys moved to Mobile. Edward began his legal career there. He saw it as a calling, much like a ministry; he always went out of his way to treat clients like part of the family and to make sure each and every one of them knew how much he cared about them as a people, not just clients. His multitude of lifelong clients is a testament to the lasting relationships Edward forged with the people he represented over the years. Simply put, Edward loved practicing law and being a part of the Mobile and Alabama legal communities. He thoroughly enjoyed working with his colleagues, both plaintiff and defense, many of whom he came to know as true friends. Edward decided long ago that he would keep practicing for as long as he was able, and this past October, he was honored by the Mobile Bar Association for 50 years of law practice.
Although the practice of law was his profession, Edward was first and foremost a servant of Christ, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. While in Mobile, Edward and Sally raised three children, Eddie, Christopher and Bronwyn, and were later blessed with six grandchildren. It was obvious to anyone who had the privilege of spending time with Edward that he absolutely cherished and adored his family. He and Sally were married for over 53 years and were just as much in love in year 53 as in year 1. Together with Sally, he raised their children the right way. He always led by example, showing his children how to honor Christ in the way they treat others. Whether they called him “Dad”, “Daddy”, “Papa”, or just “Edward,” his family loved him dearly, and they will miss him forever but will rejoice in the time they had with him on this Earth.
Although Edward and Sally laid down their roots and lived in Mobile, Edward considered Chatom their second home. He and Sally spent many a weekend in Chatom, often with the whole family, but sometimes just relaxing with each other and savoring every minute of it. He always looked forward to the annual Massey Family Thanksgivings and Christmases at the family’s “Camphouse,” where four generations of Masseys would get together for food, fellowship, and laughter.
Always active at church, Edward was a lay leader at Dauphin Way Baptist Church for over 25 years and later helped begin and establish Dayspring Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and served on various church leadership committees. He also had the honor of serving for many years on the University of Mobile Board of Trustees.
To list all the things Edward enjoyed would require much more space than we have here. But there a few things that give a glimpse into who he was as a person: He loved going out to eat with Sally, whether it was breakfast at Bob’s, takeout from Aroy Thai, or romantic dinners at The Hummingbird Way. He always loved to babysit his grandchildren, even offering to do so when their parents weren’t going anywhere and didn’t need a babysitter. He never missed a chance to watch his grandkids’ games, practices, recitals, or performances. He liked taking the kids (and some adults!) on hayrides during the holidays in Chatom. He liked Alabama Crimson Tide Football, Atlanta Braves baseball, corny puns, Christmas caroling and old-timey gospel music.
Edward loved the Lord, his family and friends, and he loved his neighbor as himself. His passing leaves many hearts broken, but he is now at home in our Father’s house.
“Well done my good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21
Edward is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sally Ann Beech Massey, their three children, Ralph Edward “Eddie” Massey, III (Joy Rockhold Massey), Christopher James Massey (Dana Dixon Massey) of Mobile, and Bronwyn Elizabeth Massey Scharar (Ryan Scharar) of Fort Worth, Texas; six grandchildren, Christopher Dixon “Dixon” Massey, Benjamin Edward Massey, Madelyn Rae Massey, Joseph Edward Scharar, Patrick Ryan Scharar and Sally Anne Scharar. Edward is also survived by his siblings, James Henry Massey (Faye), Larry Wayne Massey (Alliece), Arthur Cooper (Laura), Royce Dwayne Massey, Betty Massey Godwin (Ronald), Rita Massey Crouch (Kenneth), and Johnny Joe Massey (Penny), and three generations of nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, Ronny Allen Massey (survived by Ace).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children’s Nutrition of Haiti (cnphaiti.org) and Dayspring Baptist Church.
