B. P. (Burt) Massey Retired Auto Salesman Graveside services for B.P. Massey will be held Friday, November 20,2009 at 2 pm at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Dr. Charles Engelbrecht, DMIN officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Massey, 87, died peacefully Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at his home in Meridian. Mr. Massey served his country during World War II as a mess sergeant in the Army Air Corps. He loved to share his memories of supervising 12 cooks, 2 bakers, 2 butchers, and serving 800 men every day, in the Southern Philippines. His love of cooking and the joy of eating followed him all the days of his life. Mr. Masseys civilian career began as a Funeral Assistant for Ridouts Funeral Home in his native Birmingham, Alabama. In 1947 he met and married the love of his life, Era Adams. He soon found his true calling in life the gift of gab. Discovering he could make a living just by being his positive, humorous and adventurous self, he began a new career as an automobile salesman. In the early 50s he owned and operated Massey Motors in Alexander City, AL, but in 1954 when he was approached by Mr. Phil Swartzfager of Meridian, MS, to be Swartzfagers new Sales Manager, he and his "bride? made the move and Meridian their new home. Good years followed during the Swartzfager Ford days and later with Lex Chamblin Dodge, Floyd Motors, Landrum Motors, his own E&M Motors, Southern Body Works, and even in retirement, working part-time at Bowers Auto Sales & Barker Auto Sales. He sold many cars and made many, many life-long friends. For a time during these years, Mr. & Mrs. Massey owned Masseys Family Restaurant on 22nd Ave. South and on the Frontage Rd. in Meridian. Those who crossed Burt Masseys path will remember his love of life, his laughter, his friendship, his generosity, his knowledge of most things big & small, his advice (if asked) and his incredibly positive attitude. He loved his woodworking hobby, his fishing, his dogs, all children, his friends, his family, and "the man upstairs.? He was a member of the VFW, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, Saint Johns Lodge; and a Hamasa Shriner. After so many years of doing for others, he was humbled during this last year to have others do for him. Special thanks go to all at Harpers Hospice, especially Carrie and Peggy in his final days. The family is eternally grateful to his "buddy,? Jakarra Tell. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Massey Bruister, her husband, Herbert and granddaughter, Katie Bruister, of Meridian; one brother, George Massey & his wife, Delores of Birmingham, AL and one sister, RuthAnn Keith Massey of Birmingham, AL; sisters-in-law, Effie Barry, Faye Milam, Maye Akin & her husband, Lloyd, Loette Siggers and husband, J.W., brother-in law Caron Adams & wife, Bobbie all of Opelika and Auburn, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. Mr. Massey is preceded in death by his "bride? of 60 years, Era Massey; brothers Frank Massey, Harry Massey; sisters Frances Lee, Louise Jorik and Ella Jo Kautsky; parents George S. Massey and Kate Keith Massey Faucett, and precious pet dogs over the years, Trixie, Tippy, Missy and others before them. Memorials may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4223 PSD, Meridian, MS 39305, or a chosen charity. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Eric Massey, Steve Massey, David Lee, and great-nephew, Joel Oglesby. Visitation will be at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home from 12 noon till 1:45pm on Friday.
