Wayland Everett Massey

Obituary For Wayland Everett Massey

Wayland Everett Massey, aged 77, Durham, NC, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, after battling Lewy Body Dementia for nine years. Mr. Massey was born December 2, 1946, to the late Lloyd Everett “Red” Massey and Marguerite Allen Massey in Durham, where he was a lifelong resident, other than a brief sojourn to Kannapolis in his childhood. He was predeceased by his parents and one grandchild, Zach McElhaney.

Mr. Massey graduated from the University of North Carolina (class of ’69). He taught at Holton Junior High, then Hillside High School for two years, then switched gears and careers to work at the NC Employment Security Commission in various positions at the local ESC office in Durham and the ESC Central office in Raleigh. He retired 34 years later in 2005 after a distinguished career.

Wayland was a life-long Democrat and die-hard UNC Tarheel fan. A music buff with wide ranging tastes, he and his wife Sharon attended live music events as often as they could, rarely missing an opportunity to see Bob Dylan, his favorite singer. Wayland loved the beaches and mountains of North Carolina, games with friends, wild and crazy socks, and the Durham Bulls. Legendary for his knowledge of trivia, Wayland was a one-day champion on Jeopardy! in the early 90’s. He was an active member of Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church. He was usually the funniest man in the room, and often the smartest.

Mr. Massey is survived by his wife of 42 years Sharon Salazar Massey; his three sons, Seth Wayland, Joseph Allen, and Dale Timothy Massey; his former wife and mother of his children Anita Tyndall; and his brother Michael Massey and Michael’s wife Lenore Guidoni.

The family would like to thank The Seasons at Southpoint Memory Care facility and Authora Care Hospice for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Duke Dementia Family Support Program, the Lewy Body Association, or the charity of your choice in loving memory of Wayland. Gifts can be made online to the Duke Dementia Family Support Program here or by check sent to the following address: Duke Dementia Family Support Program, Box 3600 DUMC, Durham NC 27710. Please make checks payable to the Duke Dementia Family Support Program.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 25, 2024, at Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main St., Durham, NC.