William Goss Massengill

William G. (Bill) Massengill

Born on April 10, 1933 to John Samuel and Beatrice Massengill in Clovis, NM and passed quietly in El Paso Texas on May 30, 2018 after a short illness.

Bill, as he was known to almost everyone, was a one-of-a-kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all. His unending willingness to help was what he did instinctively. Regardless of the need, he found a way to help folks that were less fortunate or just plain needed help.

Bill married Selina Hopes on September 11, 1954, and was happily married for almost 64 years.

Bill is survived by his wife Selina Massengill, one brother Chuck Massengill and wife Rose, son Jim Massengill, daughter Mary Jane Fellion and husband Chuck, two granddaughters, Kyla Witterman and husband Jason, Cassi Cole, two great-grandsons, Mikal and Jaxon Witterman, sisters in law, Peggie Massengill, Lynnita DeJarnett, Marge McColley, his adopted daughter Lisa Hernandez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mom Beatrice, brothers, CA, JS and Robert Massengill.

One of his greatest accomplishments was using the soil on his property to make adobes and then build a beautiful adobe home for his family. It truly is a monument to his character, determination and work ethic.

He retired from Mountain Bell Telephone Company at an early age and continued working many jobs. He worked many times for one of his best friends, Jeff Glenn; for Tritel installing phone systems around New Mexico, and he never stopped talking about the trips he made hauling supplies for the US Forest Service. He loved that experience.

Bill loved life and enjoyed the outdoors. Over the years, Bill and Selina traveled many miles around the United States to fish, sightsee and visit friends and family. He faithfully planted a garden and loved to harvest jalapeños and eat them off the vine.

Bill was a devout Christian man and openly displayed that seven days a week. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over fifty years. His prayers and blessings will be sorely missed as they came straight from the heart.

Life presented many physical challenges for Bill, of which he rose above and won the battles. In his first battle he was diagnosed with a hip joint disease that put him in Carrie Tingley Hospital (Hot Springs NM) at the age of nine and he spent a full year bed ridden. The only exercise allowed was swimming and the remainder of his life he searched for any opportunity to swim, including many times in the Rio Grande. Because he could not be still, he struggled with how to keep busy in the late years. He worked on every little project possible and would walk to the “north 40” just to be moving.

He was the sole care giver for many years and that took a toll on his health.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 07, 2018 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church on College Avenue in Silver City, NM. Lunch will be served for those who wish to stay and remember Bill with friends and family.

A private family service will be held to scatter his remains on the property he loved and cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Men’s Club 314 W. College Avenue, Silver City, NM 88061 or to Carrie Tingley Hospital in care of UNM Foundation-Two Woodward Center,700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Ste 108, Albuquerque NM 87102 (Specify General Hospital Fund #201744)

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