Lawrence Massie

Lawrence Van Massie, age 88, died peacefully Sunday, May 25, 2008 at his residence. Born in Haywood County on August 30, 1919, he was the son of the late Garfield and Arbie Radford Massie. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Alma Medford Massie; two sisters, and three brothers. Lawrence was a United States Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the 2nd Armored Division and was in the invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach. His division served through Africa, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was awarded a purple heart during the Battle of the Bulge. Previous to World War II, he worked on the survey and labor crew involved in the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. After the war, he was employed and eventually retired from Champion International in Canton. Lawrence loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener and fisherman. He is survived by his five children, Sam Massie of Dallas, NC, Lois Jane Hammond of Asheville, Nancy Liang of Sacramento, CA, Jerry Massie of Candler, and Judy Crawford of Candler; ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Pole Creek Baptist Church, where he was a member for many years, with Reverend Dennis Thurman officiating. Burial will follow at Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Mr. Massie's home, at 682 Justice Ridge Road in Candler, Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Care Partners Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Wells Funeral Home of Canton is in charge of the arrangements.

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