Boyd B. Massagee Jr., 81

Boyd B. Massagee Jr., 81, of Hendersonville died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health. He was born in Greenville, NC, on Sept. 25, 1932, to the late Boyd B. and Margaret Hough Massagee Sr.

Prior to beginning school, Boyd's father, whose career was in banking and finance, was transferred to Hendersonville to the State Trust Company. After graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1950, Boyd enrolled in Davidson College and graduated in1954 with a degree in Economics. He then enlisted in the United States Army, and was on active duty for two years. Upon completion of his military service, he continued to serve his country in the North Carolina National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain. Upon the completion of his active military duty, he immediately enrolled in the University of North Carolina Law School. While in school he served on the Board of Editors of the University of North Carolina Law Review. He graduated from law school in 1959 with a minor in "Tarheel" school spirit.

He returned to Hendersonville and joined the prestigious law firm of Prince, Jackson, and Youngblood in 1959. Although he was considered a general practitioner, he was quite fond of litigation and was very comfortable in the courtroom at a very early age. He loved the English language, and immensely enjoyed retrieving words from his extended vocabulary. He was a member of numerous associations including the Henderson County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association as well as the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. In February 2014, he was inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association Hall of Fame which is one of the highest honors bestowed on a North Carolina attorney.

He felt strongly about the importance of education, and served as the Chairman of the Hendersonville City School Board for numerous years. He was instrumental in the successful merger of the Hendersonville City and County school systems in the early 1990's. Although he never fully retired, he enjoyed traveling and found solace in his vacation home in Charleston, S.C. and the company of his dear friend, Ron Blanchard.

He is survived by one son, Boyd "Buddy" B. Massagee, III and his wife, Sally of Hendersonville; two daughters: Mary Louise Massagee of Washington, D.C., and Charlotte Anne Massagee of Libya, five grandchildren: Sarah R. Massagee, and Kelly J. Massagee both of Charleston, S.C.; Rachel M. Brackett, Lucy K. Massagee and Tyrean K. Massagee all of Hendersonville. Seven great-grandchildren: Alana R. Jackson, Elliott M. Jackson, Myles Brackett, Colin B. Brackett, Abraham R. Jones, Keellen D. Smith and Kahn'yae D. McGrady.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at St. John In- The-Wilderness Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, with The Rev. John A. Morton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. John In-The Wilderness Episcopal Church, PO Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.