Billy Houston Massingale, 77, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016, in a local health care facility.
Billy was born on Jan. 27, 1939 in Charleston, TN to Houston Massingale of East Point, GA and Ruth Blackwell Massingale Poteet of Cleveland.
Billy was a member of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and was a great supporter of missions. He served as Sunday school superintendent in both Ringgold, GA and East Ridge, TN.
Billy served in the United States Navy and was stationed out of Norfolk, VA aboard the destroyer, USS Robert L. Wilson. While in the Navy, Billy was the recipient of several medals.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Blackwell, Marvin Massingale, Harvey Massingale and Charles Massingale; and sister, Linda Poteet Staton.
Billy is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Tracy (Doug) Frazier of Rock Spring, GA and Billy (Tina) Massingale of Cleveland; his wife’s children, Kim Horton of Cleveland, Gary (Shauna) Lemons of Frisco, TX and Mark (Catherine) Lemons of Cleveland; beloved grandchildren, Jennifer (Anthony) Keith, Stephen (Beejal) Frazier, Wade Horton IV, Alygrace Lemons, Cooper Lemons, Ellie Massingale, Jasmine Martin, Sabra Martin and Nathan (Carly) Lemons; special great-grandchild, Ryker Keith; siblings, Kenneth (Genie) Massingale of Decatur, GA, Nelson (MaryAnn) Massingale of Newnan, GA, Jerry Wayne (Pee Wee) Poteet of Cleveland, Donnie Poteet of Arkansas and Brenda (Doug) Staton of Riceville, TN; and special lifelong friend, Gilbert Moon of Chattanooga.
A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Grissom- Serenity Funeral Home, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. with Pastor Tony Wilson and Pastor Randy Lewis officiating.
Billy will be laid to rest with full military honors on Wednesday at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Gilbert Moon, Anthony Keith, Mark Lemons, Stephen Frazier, Wade Horton IV and Kenny Morris will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the funeral home.
Arrangements are being handled by Grissom-Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Services.