Celis Afton Massey

Celis Afton Massey, 88, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on January 6, 2024. He was born on January 12, 1935, in Mountain View, Arkansas. Afton loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time fishing and hunting, especially in his later years with his grandsons. Afton had a successful career with Delta, Inc. as a welder and welding instructor for 12 years. He then made a career change and became a custodian and groundskeeper for Valley View High School, where he dedicated 27 years of his life. In his free time, Afton enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends and family, pursuing his passion for the great outdoors. Afton is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Patsy Massey, his son Eddie Massey (Ute) of Henderson, AR, his daughters Sue Vickers (Ira) of Trumann, AR, Pam Keyes (John) of Winston Salem, NC, and Beth Watts (Derek) of Oakland, KY. He is also survived by his sisters Loretta Taylor (Dean) of Kennett, MO, and Predith Hudgens of St. Louis, MO. Afton will be deeply missed by his 10 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, B. F. Massey, his mother, Verna Anderson Massey, his brother Wako Massey, and his brothers Miford Massey and Millis Massey.

A funeral service will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 11, at 2:00pm, with interment at Pine Log Cemetery. The family will receive friends at visitation starting at 1:00pm. Pastor Joe Guthrie from Renewal Full Gospel Church will officiate the service.

The pallbearers will be Kenneth Goza, Jeff Goza, Clint Massey, Jonathon Keyes, Nathan Massey, and Zachery Massey. Matthew Watts, Brandon Watts, and Carter (Big Boy) Watts will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The compassionate staff of Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, AR, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Please join the family in celebrating the life of Celis Afton Massey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.