James Michael (Mike) Massey, 79, of Midlothian, TX passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024.

Born on September 24, 1944, to James Frances (Pete) and Veta Fae Massey, Mike grew up in Lewisville, Texas with many cousins and friends and is survived by one sister, Barbara Jean Ledbetter, of Sherman, TX.

He is survived by wife Barbara (Montville) Massey, his high school sweetheart and "love of his life." As of March 1, they would be married 61 years.

He is also survived by four daughters, their spouses, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.  They include his daughter Angela Duwe and her husband Ronny Duwe of Argyle, Texas, Tammy Clanton and husband Brett Clanton of Arlington, Texas, Laura Phillips and her husband Jeff Phillips of Midlothian, Texas, and Rebecca (Becky) Parker and her husband Clinton Parker of Elkhart, Texas.  His grandchildren include Taylor Boone, Ty Behringer, Tanner Duwe, Collin Duwe, Colton Clanton, Cade Clanton, Cord Clanton, Whitney Poston, Morgan Autwell, Mollie Allen, Jordyn Phillips, Jenna Phillips, Haley Drees, Laret Manning, Colbin Parker, and Macy Parker.  Great- grandchildren include Ainsley Boone, Bennett Boone, Harper Glaspy, Harlie Clanton, Noah Autwell, Remi Brady, Rowan Brady, Ben Autwell, Jaidyn Autwell, Jett Allen, Finley Poston, Jadin Webb, Chick Drees, Brendyn Flemming, and Casper Clanton.

Mike's passion for horses and cattle began in his early years.  His senior year, he received Future Farmers of America's highest honor, the state recognition of Lone Star Farmer.  He went on to receive certification from Graham School for Cattlemen in Garnett, Kansas in Breeding and Herd Management.  He was a rancher in East and Central Texas up until 1996 and then moved to Palestine, Texas where he bought land and managed his own cattle and horses and worked for the Texas Highway Department until retirement in 2012.  While in Palestine, he became a member of Harmony Baptist Church and was ordained a deacon in June of 2000.  After retirement, he traveled – but not in the sense that most people would think.  He took up dirt track racing.  He had the need for speed.  Win or lose, he had more fun fixing his cars and sharing this hobby with his friends and family.

He raced up until the age of 78 and only stopped because his health was declining.

His girls were his whole world as he would say.  He was a tough cowboy and gentle giant.  He loved his horses, his race cars, and his huge family.  If you have ever heard Holly Dunn's song, "Daddy's Hands", it sums up our dad aka Papaw Mike:
"You could read quite a story in the callous' and lines
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind

I remember daddy's hands how they held my mama tight
And patted my back for something done right

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle, but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands"

So long to all his racing buddies and friends from #111.  He has won the ultimate race.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024
Mulkey Mason Funeral Home
740 S. Edmonds Ln
Lewisville, Texas
Visitation at 10:00 o'clock clock with Memorial Service at 11:00.
The family would love for you to join us for a brief send off at the grave site immediately following:
Old Hall Cemetery, 1200 McGee Lane, Lewisville, Texas