David Rex Massie

L&G

Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes

202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656

(e) lewisgillumfh@gmail.com

(p) 740-682-6696

(w) www.lewisgillum.com

With great sadness, we announce the passing of David Rex Massie, age 69, who left this world on February 10, 2025. Born on April 20, 1955, to William (Bill) and Jessie Massie, Dave was the youngest of ten children in a large, loving family. He lived a life full of love, hard work, stubbornness, and resilience, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Susan; his children, David Waylon (Ashley Morgan) and Kera (Jed Butler); and his six cherished grandchildren: Grady, Grant, and Adalyn Massie, and Dalton, Lydia, and Weston Butler. He is also survived by Jackie Massie and Betty Massie Settles, who were important parts of his life.

His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, and he often spoke with great joy about watching them grow and thrive—something he never imagined would be a gift after battling both lung cancer and brain cancer over 30 years ago. Thanks to his fierce spirit and the grace of God, he was able to witness milestones he once feared he would miss.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jessie Massie; his mother and father-in-law, Jane and Jim Jones; and his brothers: Ray, Harold, Bobby, Jimmy Dale, and Tommy; and sisters, Wanda Massie Miller and Donna Massie Delong.

Throughout his life, he was known for his hardworking nature and the unique paths he carved. He spent many years driving semi-trucks, working for himself and local woodcutters, and also became a licensed barber—a major accomplishment, considering he had undergone brain surgery and radiation. His perseverance was unmatched, and even after battling lung and brain cancer, Dave worked with determination until he retired from ODOT, just shy of 20 years, due to the effects of COVID-19.

Dave was an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt and NASCAR, but after the death of his favorite driver, he found it hard to follow the sport in the same way. His love for racing was just one example of his passion for life. He was also known for his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. “His bark was worse than his bite” is an understatement for Dave—at times his words could be a little too sharp and catch a person off guard, but his heart was always kind. 

He was incredibly proud of his children, Waylon (a name he personally chose) and his "baby girl" Kera Beth. His love for his family was endless, and nothing made him prouder than watching his grandchildren on the field or court, cheering them on with a passion only a proud grandfather could have.  Though he may have been a bit of a character with his candid remarks, at his core, Dave was a deeply kind-hearted man, always there for the people he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will cherish the many memories they shared.

Memorial services will be held in his honor, on Saturday, February 15, 2024, at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill. Visiting hours will be 11:00-1:00 with the service immediately following at 1:00.  Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.