Bennie Vernell (Sr.) Massey

Bennie Vernell Massey, Sr., son of the late Edward, Sr., and Queen Delois Davis Massey, received his Heavenly reward on June 28, 2023, at the Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, while being surrounded by his loving family. 

Bennie was a life-long resident of Lynch, Kentucky.  A graduate of the Lynch High School, where he played football.   He was a retired coal miner, member of the United Mine Workers of America, who fought for better working conditions, wages, and rights, alongside his brother, George.   He professed Christ at an early age and became a member of the Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where he became a Deacon and member of the choir. 

Bennie married his first wife, Patricia Diane Mahone, to this union was born a son, Bennie Vernell Massey, Jr., and later a daughter, Angel Nicole Massey.  He later married Kaye Francis Pearson, until her passing on February 4, 2016.

Bennie was known for several things:  his sense of fashion and style, always bringing the class, his skills behind the grill, being a member of the “Dip It” crew, accommodated by his awesome homemade barbecue sauce.  He was a true lover of the Southeastern Kentucky area.  He appeared in many documentaries for KET and other educational outlets, sharing the stories of the majestic beauty and hidden gems in our area.
He had unselfish love, always stepping in to give support and love to everyone.  He enjoyed holidays, reunions, and occasions that allowed him to spend time with all his family, where you were assured a lot of laughs, dancing, and some amazing food!   

Bennie also took pride in being a part of the theatrical department of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College and was known for his performance in “A Higher Ground.”  He was a member of the Tri-City Messengers, an Acapella gospel group, a member of the Greater Mt. Sinai Spirituals, President of the Eastern Kentucky Social Club, Lynch Chapter and a long-term Lynch City Councilman.    No one who knew him, will ever forget his loud deep voice, rolling laugh and willingness to argue some jovial banter.

Bennie had accomplished so much in his life and strived every day to achieve a better relationship with God.  He could always be found at T’s Rib Barn at lunchtime, smiling, dancing, singing, and praising the Lord.  His motto was “God’s Got This.”  Today, God has him in his loving arms and his heavenly reward he finally received.   Our community will never be the same, his physical presence will be absent from our eyes, but his essence and spirit shall carry on in the many lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bennie and Ethel McGrew, maternal grandparents, George Ed and Dovie Davis, parents, Jack and Queen Delois Massey, brothers, Fredrick, Donald and Ronnie Massey, sister-in-law, Rose Massey, nephews, Jerry Lee Massey, Jr., and DeAndre Massey.

He leaves behind, sons, Bennie Vernell Massey, Jr., George (Ester) Pearson, Gerald C. Lawrence, Jr., daughters, Angel Nicole Massey, Tonia (Jamie) Pritchett, sisters, Ethel (Dennis) Massey Tate, Catherine (Freddie) Johnson, Ruby (Walter) Ravizee, Theresa (Steve) Kyle, brothers, Edward Massey, George (Andrea) Massey, Jerry (Audrey) Massey, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, special friend, Kennetha, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and a huge host of friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 8th, from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1 p.m. at the Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 409 First Street, Lynch, Kentucky 40855, with Rev. Andrew Baskin officiating, eulogy presented by Pastor Ronnie Hampton officiating.

Burial Monday, July 10th at 11 a.m. in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

2 Timothy 4:7-8   I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Johnson-Cumberland Valley Funeral Homes are Honored to Serve the Massey Family.

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