Ira Evan Massie II

Ira Evan Massie II, age 71, of Greenback passed away from complications from heart surgery on Thursday, July 11th, 2024. Ira was bigger than life. He was dedicated to everything and everyone he touched. First and foremost was his family: loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, friend, and mentor to all. He received his bachelor’s degree from Morehead State in 1975, but also was an active member of the UK Alumni Association. Ira was a passionate, hard working employee for the United States Postal Service for 35 years.

Ira was an avid sports fan and he loved everything about the Kentucky Wildcats. He coached recreational softball and basketball teams, including coaching on the Greenback School basketball team. Not only was he a coach and mentor to so many young people, but encouraged kids to pursue their dreams. One of Ira’s favorite passions was being the Voice of the Cherokees, a position he held and loved for over 30 years. 

Ira was a member of Niles Ferry Baptist Church. He participated in Sunday school, Choir, youth ministry, and mission work, specifically Builders on Missions. His greatest passion was ministering to youth. He and his wife, Sandy, were youth leaders for more than 25 years. They poured their faith and love into so many lives. Their hearts and home were always open to any young person they met and loved each as their own. The magnitude and reach of their work led to many who call themselves the “Massie’s kids”. 

Ira was one of the leaders of the Boy Scouts for his son, Isaac, and his friends for 10 years. Ira taught the Scouts valuable lessons about life and to “be prepared”. He participated in local community theater in various plays and treasured the connections he made with his fellow cast members. Ira had a unique ability to make connections with people, find something in common, and become a good friend.

Ira was preceded in death by his parents: Ira E. and Clarice Massie and his loving wife, Sandy Massie. Survivors include: Son, Isaac, and daughter, Tara, with granddogs - Watson and Oliver; his beloved companion Becky Williams of Lexington; Brother & Sister–in–law: Kevin & Bonnie Massie; Sister Diane Massie. Brothers & Sisters-in-law: David & Clara Jo Beeler; Jim & Brenda Rhyne, Loren & Christina Ozanne. His wonderful nieces and nephews: Kevin Claiborne (Kaysie) Massie, Kyle Massie, and Travis Massie; Daniel (Pam) & Gabe (Kelsey) Beeler, & Alexa (Cynthia); Jake (Sarah Kate) Rhyne, Sarah (Alan) Clinton; Clay, Hannah, & Ella Ozanne. With shared love for his great nieces and nephews as well.

The Celebration of Life will start at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 20th, 2024, at Foothills Church with Randy Watson, Mark King, and Rev. Raymond Burnett speaking. The family will receive friends after the completion of the service around 2:15 pm until 5:00 pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: “Massie’s Missions” at Niles Ferry Baptist Church, 6895 Hwy 411 S, Greenback, TN 37742; Builders on Missions (BOM) notate Ira Massie, Beech Grove Baptist Church, 1519 Topside Rd, Louisville, TN 37777; or John Wayne Cancer Foundation, 1631 Monrovia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.