Larry Gene Massey, 77, of Piggott, Arkansas, passed away on August 1, 2026, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He was born on January 7, 1949, in Paterson, Arkansas, and was the son of the late Harry "Baldy" Massey and Nora Massey.

Larry was united in marriage to Debra Massey, and together they shared 55 years of marriage.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Massey of the home; one son, Allen Massey and wife, Daphne, of Oak Grove Heights, Arkansas; one daughter, Angie Webb of Paragould, Arkansas; one brother, Gary Massey of Bloomfield, Missouri; three sisters, Pat Aldridge and husband, Dave, of Springdale, Arkansas, Shirley Gardner and husband, Doyle, of Pollard, Arkansas, and Belva Herren of Lafe, Arkansas; one brother-in-law, Dennis Duty and wife, Shelly, of Jonesboro, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Brittany Schmit and husband, Erik, of Fallbrook, California, Brent Massey and wife, Natalie, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Keaton Massey and wife, Hannah, of Paragould, Arkansas, Zachary Childers and wife, Blakely, of Nimmons, Arkansas, Aspen Greer and husband, Dawson, of Paragould, Arkansas, and Emily Webb of Paragould, Arkansas; ten great-grandchildren, Lane Childers, Brantley Childers, Oakley Childers, Parker Childers, Stetson Childers, Lucas Massey, Leah Massey, Leon Massey, Rylee Greer, and Freya Massey; two great-granddaughters expected in the coming months; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Barney Massey and Alvie Massey, and three sisters, Rosetta Garner, Sandy Gunn, and Grace Jorman; brother-in-laws, Freddie Herren, Sherman Jorman,; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Ann Duty; nephew, Richard Jorman.

Larry was a lifelong fixture in the Piggott community and was known for his strong work ethic and friendly personality. He began his career at Brown Shoe Company, where he worked until the plant closed in 1985. That same year, he joined the City of Piggott, beginning with the Street Department before later serving in the Electric Department. After 29 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2014. Never one to stay idle, Larry later worked in the Transportation Department at Piggott Community Hospital for several years before fully retiring.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Larry enjoyed playing men's softball for many years, including with the Emmanuel Baptist Church men's softball league. He also gave back to the community by umpiring youth baseball, youth softball, and men's softball games. He faithfully supported the Piggott Mohawks and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Larry was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. He faithfully served for many years as a deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church before later becoming a faithful member of St. Francis Baptist Church, where he worshiped until declining health no longer allowed him to attend.

More than anything, Larry will be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him. He never met a stranger and was always quick with a smile, a conversation, or a friendly wave. In recent years, it became a familiar sight to see Larry riding his scooter through the streets of Piggott-from his home to the picnic grounds, to the grocery store, and everywhere in between-with a smile on his face the entire way. His kindness, genuine interest in others, and cheerful spirit made him a friend to everyone he met. To know Larry was truly to love him.

Serving as pallbearers will be Erik Schmit, Nate Quintana, Dawson Greer, David Gunn, Zachary Childers, and Earl McRoberts.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Massey, Keaton Massey, and David Finley.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home. Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with public visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Anthony Dowdy officiating and Doug Clinton assisting at Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home.