Ellsworth Sumpter Massie

Ellsworth Sumpter Massie, age 92, of Woodsboro, MD, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2014 at Glade Valley Center in Walkersville, MD. Born in Lowesville, VA, he was the son of the late Walter Miles Massie and Sallie Lee Massie, and husband of the late Kathryn Arlene (Hackman) Massie. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he loved his country-and the men with whom he served. He served as a 1st Sergeant in the A Battery 322nd Artillery Battalion of the 83rd Infantry Division, providing Howitzer ground artillery infantry support, and saw action on the drive to Berlin, most notably in the Hurtgen Forest/Ardennes region, remembered now in history as the "Battle of the Bulge". Mr. Massie was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. He was active as National Chaplain for the Alumni Association of the 83rd Infantry Division also known as the Thunderbolt, a position he held until has passing.

Returning to civilian life, in 1946, he married his wartime sweetheart, Kathryn Arlene Hackman, and together they raised two sons and forged a romance that lasted for nearly 70 years, and lived the majority of their lives in the Dundalk and Joppa, Maryland areas. Hailing from a long line of mountain musicians, teachers, preachers, and farmers, he faithfully served as the Chairman of the Deacons and as Superintendent of Sunday School in local churches with which he was affiliated for many years. He worked for 38 years as a locomotive and electric crane engineer for the Arundel Corporation at Sparrows Point, MD, and retired in the early 1980's. He loved Country Western music, and in the 70's and 80's, had managed two local Country Western bands. He was a dedicated father and husband and enjoyed trout fishing with his wife, even in their older years. He always referred to her as his bride as she was the love of his life. He went home to be with her on their 68th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Massie is survived by his sons, John M. Massie of Sudlersville and Gerald B. Massie of Woodsboro; brother, Cecil M. Massie and his wife Virginia of Westminster; three grandchildren, Crystal Leigh Massie Testerman, Byron Kent Massie, and Kathryn Woodward Massie Lofland, their spouses and significant others, and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Wortham Massie and sister, Marguerite Massie Wood.