Ronald 'Jack' Massey, skilled farmer

Ronald J. "Jack" Massey, 73, of Seaford, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2016, on his farm surrounded by his loving family and friends.  He was born in Seaford, Jan. 21, 1943, son of the late Alice “Jinny” Niblett and his stepfather, Horace "Pete" Niblett.

Mr. Massey worked for the duPont Company before becoming a full time farmer working on his family's farm.  During the years, he also grew and sold poultry to Perdue Farms, Townsend Farms and Allen Family Foods until 2010.

Throughout the years, Mr. Massey enjoyed volunteering for Maryland 4-H Shooting Sports club where he was a rifle instructor and taught children about rifle safety.  He was also a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Mr. Massey was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating on Delaware waters.  He was a NASCAR enthusiast and also loved going to the Del Mar racetrack.  As a skilled farmer and gardener, Mr. Massey was very proud of his family's farm accomplishments and his large, bountiful gardens.  Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, cherishing all moments spent with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Massey was preceded in death by his grandparents, Martin and Lela Massey; and wife, Dorothy Massey.  He is survived by two sons, Ronald M. Massey and his wife Tammy of Seaford, and Rhandy Massey and his wife Inga of Greenwood; his daughter, Rhonda Mercie and her husband Wade of Seaford; eight grandchildren: Jessica Mears of Seaford, Nathan, Layla and MaKayla Massey of Greenwood, Sandra Massey of Seaford, Alissa, Austin and Keith Mercie of Seaford; two brothers: Roger Niblett and his wife Nancy of Seaford, and Douglas Niblett of Magnolia; a sister, Sharon Evans and husband James of Charleroi, Pa.; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m., at Woodland United Methodist Church, 5123 Woodland Church Road, Seaford, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow services at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford.

Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford, a Parsell Family Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Massey's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803.

Please visit Mr. Massey's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.