Edward (Sammy) Forest Massie

Edward Forest Massie was born February 9, 1925 to the late Forest Massie and Mary Chapman Massie in historic Lutherville, Maryland. He departed this life on September 30, 2021 after a brief non-COVID related illness. He was the youngest of 12 children. Although he lived in the city most of his adult life, a fact that he extremely proud of is being from Lutherville and he spent most of his free time in his hometown that he affectionately referred to as the country. Sammy was reared in a Christian household and was a life member of the Edgewood United Methodist Church, Lutherville. He recently shared that he was an active member of the youth choir. Sammy received his early education at the Lutherville Colored school. Unfortunately his education was interrupted to serve our country in the US Army during World War II. Sammy was actively called to duty in 1943-1945. He served in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal and returning state-side he served at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. He received Honorable Discharge as a Corporal after his two year tours of duty and earned the WWII Victory Medal and the WWII Good Conduct Medal that represents both excellence and efficiency. A proud moment for Sammy is in the early 2000s, legislation passed that granted diplomas to Veterans who served in the war prior to completing their high school education. His daughter helped him and his good friend Purnell, who lived in England obtain their diplomas from Baltimore County Public Schools. In spite of the adversity experienced in his lifetime as a Black man , he always stood tall. Despite the systematic racism that exists to this day, his love of his life and uncanny wit is what enabled his perseverance. Sammy was first employed at College Manor in Lutherville, Maryland, which was formerly the Maryland College for Women, followed by employment at General Motors. Most of Sammy's career he was employed as a Professional Chauffer. He spent many years at the company where he made lifelong friends. As well, he was the driver for Mr. Joseph Meyerhoff. Sammy worked for him until retiring in the early 1980's. Tall and strikingly handsome, Edward took command of any room whenever he entered. The man was well-regarded for his dapper style. He was an avid historian, never met a stranger and enjoyed conversing and debating a variety of social issues. His love of Horse Racing "Sports Kings" was inspired by his brothers, some of whom were horse jockey's by profession at Timonium. For 73 years Edward has enjoyed the brotherhood of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was an active member of the Pride of Towson Lodge #842. He was extremely proud to be a part of this civic, yet social organization. His leisure activities included playing cards and watching sports at the lodge as a teetaler. Sammy was a zealous reader and other pastimes through out his storied life were baseball, bowling, and watching reruns of westerns on cable. He also enjoyed celebrating Veterans Day with his son-in-law at local restaurants who honored their military service with a free meal! He gave everyone a nickname. Over the years he may have called you "Fat Head" a time or two...he loved to joke! Edward's first wife was the late Pricilla Smith. In December of 1958, Edward married Elenore Dease and this inion produced one child, his beloved daughter Dr. Terri Massie- Burrell. Terri's husband Sgt. Robinson Burrell, Jr. became more son than son-in-law to Edward. They has a bond, the two having served in the US Army. The union of Robinson and Terri blessed Edward with his adored grandson he affectionately called Trey. This past May, he was elated to witness via live stream Trey's commencement from Cornell University. In addition Edward gained a bonus grandson Joshua A. Burrell. Both grandsons lovingly call him PopPop. Edward enjoyed quality time with family and close friends. He was the life of the party, a most youthful senior citizen who enjoyed his earthly journey to the fullest. September of 2016, Edward was honored at the 20th Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival for his exceptional and heroic service to our country. It was his plan to have another grand celebration on his 100th birthday but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had a different plan for Edward On February 9, 2025, Edward "Sammy" Massie will be seated at the right hand of the Father. His birthday cake will be the body of Christ and his glass of milk with sweet tea chaser will be the blood of Jesus. He fought a good fight and the race has finished. He will be truly missed and leaves memories for so many. Who amongst those who knew Edward can thing of him without a wide grin? Do not mourn his loss, but celebrate his life. Edward was preceded in death by his 11 siblings-seven brothers: Eugene, Franklin, Norman, Robert, Robert, Thomas and William and sisters; Elizabeth, Etta, Louise, and Mary Alice.

Tributes

Edward (Sammy) Forest Massie

February 9, 1925 - September 30, 2021