David Julian Massey, 85

DOVER - David Julian Massey, of Dover, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in Kent General Hospital. He was 85. Mr. Massey was born March 20, 1923, in Emporia, Va. to the late Jesse W. Massey Sr. and Alva Hayes Massey. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, Va., and attended Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C. He was an officer in the United States Army during World War II, he saw combat in the Pacific Theatre and was recalled in 1952 during the Korean War. Mr. Massey had worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Dover from 1947 until his retirement in 1991. He became general manager and secretary in 1953. Mr. Massey was director of the Dover, Henderson, N.C., Salem, N.H., and Manchester, N.H., Division of the Coca-Cola Bottling Companies. Mr. Massey was a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Dover, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Inc, and Dover Rotary Club. He was on the Board for The Elizabeth W. Murphey School, and past board member of Kent General Hospital, the Chairman of the City of Dover Planning Commission, as well as serving on the city council in Dover and Fenwick Island. Mr. Massey was a member of the Union Lodge 7 A.F. & A.M., and was the longest standing member of the Presbyterian Church of Dover. He was preceded in death by his brothers, H. Earl Massey who was killed in action during World War II, Charles E., George E. and Jesse W. Massey. Mr. Massey is survived by his wife of 62 years, Charlotte Ann Adams Massey of Dover; his son, Michael Massey and his wife Carolyn of Bishopville, Md.; his daughter, Barbara Sidel and her husband Edward of Dover; four grandchildren, Matthew Massey and his wife Jill, Sarah McCabe and her husband Draper, Erin Southard and her husband Bryan, and Ryan Tieman; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. today, Feb. 7, 2009, at Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St., Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 54 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.