Leon R. Massey
Rev. Leon R. Massey, son of the late Fred and Gladys Beavers Massey, was born on Nov. 25, 1940, in Little Rock, Ark. They were the proud parents of seven wonderful children.
Rev. Massey joined Roanoke Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member for over 70 years.
As a youth, he served as a member of the Junior Choir, Junior Usher board and Sunday school, and attended BTU on a regular basis. In his later years, he was a member of the Senior Choir, Male Chorus, Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent, deacon board, and chairman of the Trustee Board.
He attended Douglas Elementary School and was a graduate of Langston High School Class of 1960, where he was an All-state Football player.
He attended Arkansas AM&N College (now UAPB), where he received a BA in History and Government, and became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Rev. Massey was called to pastor in 1984, making him the 24th pastor of Roanoke Missionary Baptist Church. He was the longest-tenured pastor in the history of the Historic Roanoke Missionary Baptist Church. It should be noted that he declined to accept a salary in the first year due to the financial situation of the church. His vision and commitment for “Higher Ground” lead to the construction of the new edifice located at 236/238 Whittington Ave. He was the proud pastor of Roanoke Missionary Baptist Church for 36 years.
After graduating from college, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1968 to 1971 and was honorably discharged. Having served in hospital installations in California, New York and Japan.
After returning to Hot Springs, he considered other options, but his mother was a major influence on his decision to remain in Hot Springs to pursue a career.
His decision to remain in Hot Springs led to him meeting the love of his life, Deloris Pickens. They were united in marriage in 1973 and to this
union, they welcomed Brandon Christopher and Tamra Grace.
He served the church and the community with humility and grace. His calming nature brought stability to situations that he encountered. He was a diligent and faithful servant. He had a passion for helping others in the church and within the community. He was generous with his time and resources, sometimes at a personal sacrifice.
He served in various positions of leadership, which included: executive director of Community Services Office Inc., past president of the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention, state administer under former Gov. William Jefferson Clinton, a vast number of positions within the Southwest District Association, Trustee Arkansas Baptist College, UAPB Alumni Association, Webb Center board, Lions Club and NAACP Lifetime member.
He received numerous awards and recognition, including but not limited to: Honorary Doctorate Arkansas Baptist College, Arkansas MLK Commission Salute to Excellence, Difference Makers of Hot Springs Living Legend Community Advocate Honoree.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Rev. Herman C. Massey and James C. Hudson, and one sister, Bonnie V. Massey Paschal.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Deloris Massey; his two children, Brandon (Shawna) Massey and Tamra (Victor) Polk; four grandchildren, Luca and Ezra Polk, Eden and Sunny Massey; and three sisters, Dr. Marilyn Massey Shandy of St. Louis, Mo., Tiny (LC) Ford of Los Angeles, Calif., Helen (Elijah) Harris of Hot Springs, Ark. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and relatives. He will be forever remembered by his beloved Roanoke church family. He was often fondly referred to as “My Pastor.”
The visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Roanoke Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Visitors Chapel, 319 Church St., Hot Springs, Ark.
The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial. com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.