J.T. Massingill
J.T. Massingill, 79, passed away Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.
A graveside service was held in Evergreen Cemetery Dec. 10 under the direction of Riley Funeral Home.
J.T. was born, Dec. 15, 1940, the last of 11 children to Roy and Susie (Bass) Massingill. He grew up in Evergreen Community, attended school at Evergreen, and later transferred to Jonesboro where he graduated in 1958. He was a Baptist by faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Hamilton.
He was a devoted Past Master of Rock House Masonic Lodge, where he received recognition for 50 years of service. He also earned his 32nd Degree at Waco Scottish Rite.
J.T. married Clydell Bagley on May 25, 1962. Together they have two daughters, Rena Darlene and Tracy Lynn. He loved his girls and would support most all of their activities.
He was even crazier about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He would talk to and support anyone, especially the youth. He loved going to ball games, stock shows, playdays or rodeos and school activities. He always had advice and encouragement for them.
J.T. worked on the family farm while at home. After graduation, he went to work in road construction. He later worked as a diesel mechanic at Lawson Implement for 31 years. He then went to work for TXDOT, where he retired.
Realizing he was not quite ready for retirement, he went to work for Hamilton County Precinct 1 and eventually retired again.
He enjoyed farming, ranching and working on his antique tractors. He was always busy as long as his health permitted. No matter what he was doing, he always had time for a domino game or watching a good western on television. He loved to read his Bible and western books and could read a book in a day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Paul Edward Massingill and wife Margaret, Virgil (Sonny) Massingill and wife Ethridge, Elton Leroy Massingill and Willis Dalton Massingill; five sisters, Evelyn Thompson and husband Floyd, Myrtle Estelle Davis and husband Roy, Totis Marie Robuck and husband Billy, Iona Brawner and husband Tom and Rita Sue Craig; brother-in-law Murlin Bottlinger; and son-in-law Douglas Wayne Sliger.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Clydell Massingill; daughters Rena Darlene Sliger and Tracy Lynn Bullard and husband Mason; three grandchildren, Logan Bullard and wife Chelsea, Landon Bullard and wife BreAnna and Presley Sliger; three great-grandchildren, Champ Cox Bullard, Beckett Bullard and Blayze Bullard; a sister, Mildred Bottlinger; a brother-in-law, Tommy Craig; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by a very special family including Paul Montgomery, Jeff, Sara, Aubrey and Emma Ensor and Cash, Danielle and Jackson Montgomery.
He loved his hospice nurses who became family and Focused Care team who continued to spoil him with their loving care.
Memorials can be made to: Rock House Lodge #417 of Hamilton, P.O. Box 334, Hamilton, TX 76531 or First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 220 S. Bell, Hamilton, TX 76531.
