David L. Massey

David L. Massey passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Emory Decatur Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia following complications from a cardiac arrest; his loving wife and sons beside him.  

He was born on November 11, 1954 in Ogden, Utah to Glenn and Marian Massey. He attended South Junior High School in Ogden, Utah then moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona.  David graduated from Camelback High School where he played football and in the jazz band. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout.

Following high school, David served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Guatemala and El Salvador. After his mission he served in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Officer and spoke fluent German and Spanish. Upon completing military service, he received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Arizona State University and was an LCSW who practiced Social Work and Counseling in such varied settings as a psychiatric hospital, Pima Indian Reservation, and an elementary school as well as worked in juvenile and criminal justice agencies and private practice.  He retired from United Behavioral Health in 2017. Throughout his life he used his incredible communication and empathy to counsel and uplift thousands of people. He was a big guy with a huge heart; his compassion was immeasurable.

David was an accomplished musician, singer, artist, and photographer. His greatest joys were family, friends, music, and food.  He played in several bands over the years: initially as a saxophone player and then as a guitarist playing classic rock.  He had recently discovered disc golf and was an enthusiastic, although novice player.  He loved reading history and biographies and discovering what new shows were streaming and was especially fond of anything related to Vikings, Romans, or Celts. He had many international friends through Instagram as well as those who were lucky enough to have known him in person.  David was an imaginative, goofy, loving, dependable, and devoted father to his sons and Pop Pop to his granddaughters. He was their biggest fan and most fervent supporter, cheering their accomplishments and standing with them in their setbacks. He was deeply loved and respected by everyone he met.

David was proceeded in death by his parents Glenn L. and Marian W. Massey. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry Massey, and his adoring cat, Ki; sons Warren Massey of Atlanta and Kyle Massey, (Stephanie) of Wilmington, DE along with their mother Rometta (Tulkie) Kirchoff;  granddaughters Caitlin and Anna Massey; siblings John (Miriam) Massey of Farmington, UT; Richard G. Massey of Mesa, AZ;  Anne Massey Ecton (Dave) of  Gilbert, AZ; Dale (Loubna) Massey of Falls Church, VA; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends, all of whom will miss him very much.

Celebration of Life arrangements have yet to be announced.