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John F. Massie, age 77, of Moundsville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of steady hands, warm humor, and quiet devotion to family, faith, and community. Born on June 30, 1948, in Sun, West Virginia, John was the son of the late James Massie and Virginia Cope Massie. He was raised with a strong sense of responsibility and humility, qualities that would define his life. He attended Collins High School in Oak Hill, where he built the foundation of a life marked not by grand gestures, but by consistency, integrity, and care for others. John dedicated much of his working life as head of records for the Department of Corrections at the West Virginia State Penitentiary, a role that required precision, discipline, and trust. Beyond his professional work, he served faithfully at Moundsville Baptist Church as both custodian and trustee. In those roles, he was more than a caretaker of buildings. He was a steward of God’s house, a place that meant so much to so many. He ensured that the doors were open, the lights were on, and that house remained a welcoming home for all who entered. His wife was always right there working beside him. Those who knew John will remember him not only for what he did, but for how he lived. He had a natural gift for humor and was always ready with a joke to lighten the moment. He was, in his own way, a “Bob Vila” at heart, constantly tinkering, fixing, building, and improving the spaces around him. Whether it was a small repair or a larger project, John found satisfaction in working with his hands and leaving things better than he found them. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He took immense pride in cheering them on, celebrating their achievements, and simply being present. In those moments, on the sidelines, in the stands, or at home, John’s quiet love spoke volumes. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, David Barnhart. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Yoho Massie; his daughters, Lorie (Shawn) Keller and Sherry (Donald) Loy; his four grandchildren, Allyssa Keller, Alexander Keller, Danay Loy, and Connor Loy; and his siblings, Debra (the late David) Massie Barnhart, Jerry (Karen) Massie, and Kathy (Michael) Kees, along with several nieces and nephews who carry forward his values, strength, and sense of humor. Through them, and through the many lives he touched, his presence endures. John’s life was not defined by headlines, but by the countless small, faithful acts that make a life meaningful. He was a man who showed up, did the work, loved his family, and found joy in the simple things. His legacy is one of steadiness, kindness, and enduring love, a life well lived and deeply felt by those who knew him. Visitation will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, at Moundsville Baptist Church, 1911 Fourth Street, Moundsville, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. A service to honor and celebrate John’s life will be held at Moundsville Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Valley Brook Cemetery in Moundsville. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Moundsville Baptist Church.

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John F. Massie

June 30, 1948 - March 27, 2026