Roanoke Rapids, October 31, 2025
News Summary
The Roanoke Rapids community is mourning the loss of William Roland ‘Bill’ Massey, Jr. who passed away peacefully at home. He is remembered for his 56 years of marriage, dedication to golf, and commitment to local service.
Community Mourns the Passing of Bill Massey, Esteemed Family Man and Golf Enthusiast
The city of Roanoke Rapids is grieving the loss of a beloved local figure, William Roland “Bill” Massey, Jr., who passed away peacefully at his home on October 28, 2025. Born on April 8, 1950, Bill was a true son of North Carolina, with deep roots in the community that he cherished.
Bill is survived by his adoring wife, Rose Willey Massey, with whom he shared a beautiful 56 years of marriage after tying the knot with his high school sweetheart. Their son, Michael Craig Massey, along with his wife Ronda, and cherished grandchildren, Michael Craig Massey, Jr. and Kaylinn Rose Massey, will also keep his memory alive. The family is further blessed with a great-grandchild, Haydin Massey, and Bill’s sister, Jane Powers, residing in Manassas, Virginia.
A Life Dedicated to Work and Community
Bill’s professional career began in 1969 at Harrington Manufacturing in Lewiston, North Carolina, where he paved the way for a successful journey through technical fields. He was among the first employees at Airmold WR Grace when its plant opened in Weldon, North Carolina, showcasing his commitment to both his trade and the community. Following that, he spent 27 years at Livingston and Haven, a company located in Charlotte, North Carolina, focusing on hydraulic design, mechanical drafting, engineering design, and sales.
Many colleagues, suppliers, and customers admired Bill for his ability to forge lifelong friendships. Even those who competed against him held him in high regard, demonstrating his charisma and approachability.
A Passion for Golf
A true enthusiast of the game, Bill spent much of his free time out on the golf course. His fierce love for the sport earned him a respected spot on the Board of Directors at Chockoyotte Country Club in Weldon, where he dedicated countless hours in leadership roles and committee service. His friendships expanded well beyond North Carolina, connecting him with golf buddies from places like Ohio, South Carolina, and North Myrtle Beach.
A Giving Heart
Bill’s dedication wasn’t limited to golf; he was also a devoted member of Shiloh Methodist Church in Gaston, where he utilized his skills on the Trustees and memorial committees, further illustrating his commitment to serving others.
Farewell to a Community Pillar
Funeral services are set to take place on Saturday, November 1, at 2 PM at Shiloh Methodist Church, with Rev. Norma Roberts and Rev. Rick Russell officiating the proceedings. Following the service, there will be a reception at Chockoyotte Country Club, allowing family and friends to come together, share stories, and celebrate Bill’s life.
Bill will find his final resting place at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, with burial scheduled for Sunday, November 2, at 2 PM. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital for the compassionate care provided during Bill’s time of need.
In a lovely tribute to Bill’s appreciation for North Carolina State University, attendees are encouraged to wear red and white attire. For those wishing to honor Bill’s legacy further, memorial contributions can be made to the Society of Saint Andrew or to the Shiloh Methodist Church’s Capital Building Fund.
As Roanoke Rapids comes together to remember Bill Massey, his legacy as a devoted family man, community leader, and golf enthusiast will certainly endure in the hearts of many.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- RR Spin: William Roland “Bill” Massey Jr.
- Legacy.com: Adron Massey Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Bobby Massey
- CityViewNC: The Kirby File
- Legacy.com: Donnie Massey Obituary
- Wikipedia: William Roland Massey
- Google Search: William Roland Massey
- Google Scholar: William Roland Massey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: William Roland Massey
- Google News: William Roland Massey
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
