D. L. Massey

Danvel Leonard Massey passed away peacefully on November 3, 2020. He was 84 years old. Born in Bismarck, AR, D.L. married his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Crumby, in 1956. Together, they raised three children, Rhonda Smedley (Steve), Sheryl Morehead and Tracey Pratt (Dwayne), and were devoted grandparents to Ryan Hilton, Justin Smedley (Jennifer), Leah Hilton, Jayme Smedley (Amy), Logan Pratt, Chloe Ray (Micah) and Olivia Pratt. D.L. also enjoyed spending time with his seven great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Charles Massey of Bismarck, AR and Leslie Massey of Cincinnati, OH.

A lover of hot rods, D.L. enjoyed a 33-year career with Goodyear in Hot Springs. His fearless driving and orchid pink Impala made him infamous on the drag racing circuit. D.L. and Pat also earned local acclaim for their extravagant Christmas decorations, and loved visiting with guests who drove in from all over the state to see them.

D.L. was loved by so many people; he couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. He always had time to make conversation and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

To honor D.L.’s life, please join us for an outdoor visitation at 10 am on Saturday, November 7 at Gross Funeral Home; the service will follow at 11 am. This event will be socially-distant and will not have a receiving line.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Walnut Valley Baptist Church.