Ronnie Dalma Massey

Ronnie Dalma Massey of Meridian, Mississippi, age 94, passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2025, and was joyfully reunited in Heaven with the love of his life.

He was born January 23, 1931, in Kemper County, Mississippi, to Stella and Lamar Massey. He is survived by his two devoted daughters Gayle Massey and Linda Wilson (Jimmy); his adoring grandchildren, Nikki Barrios and her husband Ross, Lamar Neal and his wife Randi, and Eli Massey; his five cherished great-grandchildren Branton Martin, Maddox Neal, Hartley Grace and Hunter Barrios, Tyler-Gray Neal; his sisters, Joyce White of Vicksburg, MS and Katie Bragg of Meridian; and a special family friend, Jimmy Price.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Lamar Massey; his beloved wife Juanita Ilene Massey; his son Billy Glen; his grandson Jared; and his siblings, Ardis Harper, Audrey Maskew, Billie Jean Harper, Raymond Massey, and Rayford Massey.

Ronnie was seldom found sitting still—unless he was reading his Bible. He loved taking drives to check on the cows or walk among the timber, and he found great joy in riding out to Willow Lake or visiting with family at the Car lot. He cherished the beauty of clear blue skies on a crisp fall morning

On April 3, 1953, Ronnie married the love of his life, Juanita Ilene Massey. From that day forward, she was his partner in every sense—sharing his dreams, working full time at home and on the farm, and building a life rooted in love and devotion. Together, they walked through life with an unshakable bond, never apart in spirit while weathering both the highest joys and the deepest sorrows — including the heartbreaking loss of their son and grandson. Through it all, their love endured and grew stronger, a lasting testament to their devotion to one another. Ronnie adored Ilene and treasured his life with her; he has missed her tremendously over the last 15 months.

He was a man of deep, unwavering faith. Ronnie loved his church family at Poplar Springs Drive, where he spent decades serving as a deacon and teaching Sunday School. He gave his time wholeheartedly as a Gideon in the community and donated thousands of Bibles. With a genuine burden for the lost, he started the Truckstop Ministry to share the gospel with weary travelers. His heart ached for the sick and forgotten. Each week, he visited those in the hospital—to pray with them and comfort their loved ones. During the holidays, he joyfully carried on a beloved tradition of delivering fruit baskets to shut-ins and widows in the Russell community, a tradition he began with his daughters and later shared with his grandchildren.

He devoted his free time to missions, with a heart for the lost in India and South America. He traveled to India many times to share the Good News and served on the board of Christ for India (Hope Givers). His mission work with Crusaders for Christ took him to South America, Montana, and Ohio, sharing the gospel wherever he went.

As the oldest of 8, he was extremely close to his siblings, sharing a lifelong bond of support and affection. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a faithful friend to many.

Ronnie was a man who believed in doing things the right way—by earning trust, keeping his word, and leading with humility.

With the true spirit of an entrepreneur, Ronnie pursued many business ventures throughout his life, including owning and operating a gas station and selling mobile homes. What began with selling a few cars at his station grew into a lifelong career in the automobile industry and a remarkable legacy that continues today through Massey Auto Sales and G&L Credit Corporation — a lasting testament to his hard work, vision, and dedication to his family. What began as a small venture grew into a remarkable legacy, one that his grandson Lamar proudly continues today.

Throughout his life, he pursued many entrepreneurial endeavors, including land acquisition and development. With quiet strength and generosity, he often served as a silent partner, working faithfully behind the scenes to help friends establish and grow successful businesses of their own.

He was as committed to his community as he was to his companies. He was a founding member of The Partnership which later became the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation and a member of the Hummingbird Investment Club. Ronnie’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the Hartley D. Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence and numerous other business accolades over the years.

For Ronnie, however, the true measure of success was in the opportunities he created for others, including his family, employees whom he considered his family, and the communities that grew stronger because of his vision.

Ronnie will be remembered as a hardworking, humble man with a servant’s heart, whose love for the Lord guided every part of his life. A leader, a mentor, and a devoted family man, he inspired and cared for all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the companies he built, the countless lives he touched, and the family who will carry his memory forward with love, pride, and gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Gideons International, Hope Givers, and/or to Hope Village.

Pallbearers will be Lamar Neal, Eli Massey, Maddox Neal, Branton Martin, Ross Barrios, Harold Harper, and Dr. Willie Greer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Morgan, Hunter Barrios, Jimmy Price, and Charles Harper.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Ronnie D. Massey will begin at 12:00 PM, with visitation from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home on Thursday, September 4, 2025 with Dr. John Temple and Rev. James Ruffin officiating. Interment rites will follow at Old Marion Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.