Zebulon native, WWII vet remembered for faith, family and service

Family and friends came together on Friday to honor the passing of a 100-year-old Zebulon native and veteran of World War II.

Peyton Howard Massey Jr. survived the "Battle of the Bulge" and enjoyed a distinguished career in horticulture science.

His family remembers him for his values. Carol Wiswall, one of Massey’s three daughters said, "Dad grew up, I think, in a time when his parents taught him, family was important, service was important and God was important."

He also believed in his country. In World War II, his first stop was the legendary "Battle of the Bulge," helping France fight back against the Germans.

The battle was fought on frozen ground. Wiswall said, "A bullet ricocheted off the ground and hit him in the hip and went down his leg."

Countless American soldiers died on that battlefield, but Massey was one of the survivors. "He came home and we just felt like there was a plan for his life to serve others," explained Suzanne Shoemaker, the youngest of the three daughters.

After the war, Massey married his wife Betsy and they began their family. He earned degrees at North Carolina State University, including a Ph.D. in horticulture, and later he became an associate professor at Virginia Tech.

In his profession, he helped underdeveloped countries and developed countries improve crop production.

His family remembers his silence about the war, until he reached the age of 77. It was 1999 when he took his family to the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in France.

The battlefield is covered with the headstones of Americans who gave their lives to help France and protect their home in the U.S.

"It was at that point that stories began to pour out of him, being back there (near the battlefield)," explained Wiswall.

The oldest daughter, Betsy Alls, said, "It became acceptable to talk about World War II."

Massey was also proud of granddaughter Christie Hass’ son, Jordan Hass who continued a legacy of military service.

She remembers, "Jordan came home from West Point to meet granddad at the Flight of Honor, and it was really, really sweet."

Massey’s family says they will always cherish his memory and how well he was received in the country he helped to defend.

"Everyone in France loved by grandfather. They were just so thankful," recalled Haas.

It was in Massey’s blood: Service, Sacrifice, Faith.

"It’s not a show. It’s heart-felt, and it was ingrained, and it was automatic," said Wiswall.

Peyton Howard Massey Jr. passed away on Monday, July 3. His family said he was just a few months away from reaching 101 years of age.

He was served for 72 years as a member of the American Legion.