Gene Grayson “Gray” Massey, 41, passed away on Jan. 27, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle in Columbus, Miss.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Reverend Susannah Grubbs-Carr officiating. A graveside service was held 3 p.m. Thursday at Strong Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Wesson, Miss. with Reverend Matt Scopel officiating.
Coach Gray was born on August 25, 1977 to the late Gene Swilley Massey and Vicky Grayson Massey. He graduated from, and played soccer for, Northwest Rankin High School, Hinds Community College and Mississippi College. He earned his Master’s in Coaching Education from Ohio University. Coach Gray’s passion was developing people on the soccer field. He had the pleasure to coach with wonderful organizations including Aggieland Soccer Club, Jackson Futbol Club, Brandon Futbol Club, Florence High School, East Central Community College, Alliance Futbol Club, Mississippi Soccer Association, Columbus United and Mississippi University for Women. During this time Coach Gray led teams that won numerous championships, but most importantly he mentored and impacted scores of youth.
Coach Gray noted his passions were faith, family and friends. He was a dedicated follower of Christ. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife, Lauren, and children, Reid and Ryleigh. His family was the most blessed by his love and leadership. Finally, he was dedicated to his friends, and after meeting you and talking for a few minutes, you were his friend.
Coach Gray was preceded in death by his father, Gene S. Massey; step mother, Maranda Massey; brother, Timothy Massey; and grandparents, Marvin and Nell Massey and Gene and Emma “Inky” Grayson.
Coach Gray is survived by his wife, Lauren; children, Reid and Ryleigh Massey, Columbus, Miss.; mother, Vicky Grayson Massey of Gastonia, NC; sister, Keli Thompson (Justin) of Gastonia, NC; and nieces and nephews, Emma Aldridge of Gastonia, NC and Brady Thompson and Reagan Thompson, Ridgeland, Miss.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Bowen, Matt Castleberry, Josh Cavanaugh, Tim Gould, Phillip Grayson, Tony Martin, Jason Trufant and Rusty Warden. Honorary Pallbearers included all those who have touched his life by playing on his soccer teams.
The family has designated the Owls Women’s Soccer Fund Club at Mississippi University for Women for memorial contributions. All donations will be used for upgrades to the current soccer facility. For information on how to donate, please contact Director of Athletics Jason Trufant at 662-329-7962 or jmtrufant@muw.edu.
