JOHN HENRY MASSIE SR.

John H. Massie Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July
7, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on November 17, 1930, in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, to
Mose Sr. and Leola Massie, John was the eldest of 14 children. He professed his faith in
Christ early at Bullards Chapel CME Church.
In 1949, John met Martha Terry, and they married in 1950. They moved to San Diego,
California, in 1956, where they raised their three children: Linda, Cheri, and John Jr.
John’s career included roles as a conductor assistant for the Santa Fe Railroad, proprietor
of a gas station in the Skyline area, and proud owner of Mel’s Root Beer restaurant in
downtown Chula Vista. He also worked for San Diego City Schools until his retirement in
1992. His most cherished role was serving as a pastor and community leader for over 50
years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mose Sr. and Leola; his wife, Martha; and 11
siblings. John is survived by his daughters, Linda Terry (San Diego, CA) and Cheri Davis
(Hemet, CA); his son, John Massie Jr. (San Diego, CA); his brother, Mose Massie Jr.
(Chicago, IL); and his sister, Bennie Mae Massie (Chicago, IL). He also leaves behind 7
grandchildren: Michael Davis Jr. (Leocadia) of Copperas Cove, TX, Tamla Pitts of
Enterprise, AL, Tanisha Davis of Hemet, CA, Kizzy Ballard (Robert) of Charlotte, NC,
Orestes Verge II (Candace) of Oceanside, CA, John Massie III of Fresno, CA, and Jonathan

Massie of San Leandro, CA. Additionally, he is survived by 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-
great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John will be remembered as a true servant of God, whose unwavering faith and
community service impacted many lives.

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