Eugene "Gene" Massey
Passed: September 21, 2026
Pettus, WV
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Eugene "Gene" Massey
Passed: September 21, 2026
Pettus, WV
Obituary
Life
Elmer Eugene Massey, 91, of Pettus, WV, went to be with the Lord on September 21 following a short illness. Known as “Gene” to most who knew him, he was lovingly called “Poppy” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as by many others who became part of his life over the years.
Eugene dedicated the majority of his life to serving the Lord. He greatly enjoyed reading the Bible and singing in church. His love for his family and devotion to the Lord were at the center of his life, and his greatest joy was spending time with those he loved. His face would light up whenever family was around or when he had the opportunity to talk about them with others.
Eugene was a devoted sports fan and could often be found watching and rooting for his beloved WV Mountaineers, regardless of the sport. He also enjoyed watching football, basketball, and racing.
Eugene spent the majority of his adult life working in the steel mills and coal mines, where he established many life-long lasting friendships. He was blessed to spend the later years of his life retired, enjoying his family and the things he loved most.
Family
Eugene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet Massey (Clay); daughter, Tina Elizabeth Poole and her husband, Butch, of Parkersburg; son, Rusty Massey and his wife, Gayle, of Charleston; and son, Rich Massey and his wife, Kimberly, of Shady Spring.
His grandchildren are Nick (Sandra) Walton, Zack (Ashley) Walton, Emilee (Jimmy) McNeely, Andrew Massey, Tiarra (Jonathon) O’Meara, Kristen (Joe) Louie, Matthew Massey, Sarah Massey, Kayla Massey, and Sydney Massey.
His great-grandchildren are James, John, and Evelynn McNeely; Henry Walton; Paisley and Pierce Massey; River O’Meara; Kaeston Rose; Kaelynn Massey; and Micah Walton.
Eugene is also survived by his sister, Sharon Lenz of San Diego, California, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Preceded in Death
Eugene was the son of the late Roy Massey, Sr., and Alma Massey (Jones). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Danny Ray Massey, Delbert Massey, and Roy Massey, Jr.; and his sisters, Shirley Lucas and Barbara Banks.
Remembrance
Eugene leaves behind a family whoa loved him dearly and countless memories that will be treasured for generations to come. His family will deeply miss his joyful face, his stories, and the happiness he found simply in being surrounded by those he loved. They find comfort in knowing that his faith has carried him home to the Lord he faithfully served.
Acknowledgments
The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank-you to the EMTs of the Whitesville Fire Department, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff of CAMC Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department and CPICU, for the care and compassion shown to Eugene and his family during his final moments.
A Celebration of Life honoring Eugene will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To view more pictures of Mr. Massey, click on “Gallery.”
2 responses to Eugene "Gene" Massey
Maggie Jo Massey says:
September 26, 2026
my uncle Gene, AWESOME ABSOLUTELY AWESOME uncle I miss you so very much and I love you… Thank you so very much for being my uncle… Priceless!!!
I am so very sorry…I love you all so very much
Fred Branham says:
September 25, 2026
I am sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time since I seen Eugene, but was always nice to me growing up when visiting rusty or Richie. Prayers to the family.