Michael Donahue Massey

Michael “Mike” Donahue Massey, age 72 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi passed away on March 15, 2025 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Mike was born on December 18, 1952, in Greenville, Mississippi, to Anne Marie Leverette Massey and John Whittle Massey. His academic journey was as distinguished as his career: he earned his undergraduate degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, followed by an MBA from the University of Northern Colorado, and a medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Board certified in nuclear medicine and radiology, Mike's commitment to excellence was evident in every facet of his life.

After 24 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force, Mike retired as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel, having earned numerous professional accolades, including the Air Force Commendation Medal. His military career was diverse and impactful, encompassing roles as a flight surgeon, a pediatrician, and, for the majority of his service, as a Diagnostic Radiologist and Nuclear Medicine Physician. Outside of his professional life, Mike was a passionate martial artist and served as a sensei in Shotokan Karate. He also had a deep love for music, often playing guitar and sharing his appreciation for the art. His enthusiasm extended to literature, flying, and cooking. As a master chef, Mike delighted countless friends and family with his culinary creations, always bringing joy to those around him. Mike was also a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a proud member of The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Arizona. His love for classic cars, particularly American muscle cars, was well-known. Mike had an uncanny ability to identify the year, make, and model of nearly every car he encountered, and loved attending Cruisin' the Coast.

He had a special affection for his four grandchildren and a natural gift for showing kindness and interest in those often overlooked by others. With a quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Mike could brighten even the most ordinary moments, making everyone feel valued. He will be remembered as a man who could hold a conversation with anyone and from any walk of life.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, John Whittle Massey and Anne Marie Massey; younger brother, Timothy Massey; half-brother, Whittle Massey; and by his dogs, his beloved dogs.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Cynthia Massey; children, Lisa Marie Massey Shaw, Michael Donahue Massey II, Molly Massey VanderWeit, and Patrick Massey; siblings, Terri Massey of Tennessee and Winston Massey in Virginia; sons-in-law, Robert Shaw and Phillip VanderWeit; daughter-in-law, Kalyn Massey.

Flowers and donations are welcome. For donations, please give to Shriner's Hospital for Children and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral service will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michael Donahue Massey.