Rayshawn Massey

Rayshawn “Ray” Eddie Massey was born January 23, 1999, in St. Louis Missouri to Rachel Massey.

Rayshawn grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina, under the care of his grandparents, Robert and Brinda Massey. He was educated through the Onslow County School System from kindergarten until 12th grade. During his time in school, Rayshawn learned many skills and developed several passions. He was a talented artis who loved drawing, painting, and building. He especially enjoyed art and workshop classes, allowing him to create beautiful art pieces for himself and those he loved. Rayshawn was also very athletic, taking up football, track and field, and cross country while in school. He discovered his love for running early on and became very passionate about the sport. Rayshawn began running in kindergarten with the Jacksonville Express Track Club and continued through high school where he joined the Jacksonville High School Track Team and the Cross-County Team. Being a part of a team provided Rayshawn with a community he cherished far beyond his high school years. His teammates were like a second family to him. Before graduating in 2017, Rayshawn led his team to several track and field victories, including county, conference, and regional championships, the 2016 North Carolina State Championship, and the 2016 New Balance Nationals All-American Championship.

Upon graduation from high school, Rayshawn moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). During his time there, he was studying to become an interior architect. While in school, he worked with his two “sister aunts”, Anika and Janaw, at the Elliot University Center as an even set-up technician. He was known and loved by all staff members of that team and was often remembered for his playfulness and bright smile.
To know Rayshawn was to love him. He had a welcoming spirit and had a unique sense of humor that could cheer just about anyone up. He showed kindness to everyone he encountered. Was always quick to lend a helping hand and could make everyone feel comfortable to be who they truly are. Though he lived a short life, Rayshawn lived meaningfully; prioritizing joy, laughter, and creativity in everything he was a part of. He touched the lives of so many with each journey he embarked on and lived in a way that will never be forgotten.

He leaved to cherish his loving memory: his mother~ Rachel Massey of St. Louis, Missouri; his sister ~ Kylan Davis of St. Louis, Missouri; his grandparents ~ Robert and Brinda Massey of Jacksonville, North Carolina; his sister aunts ~ Anika Massey of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Janae Massey of Greensboro, North Carolina; his aunt ~ Kendra Sumpter of Hampton, Virginia; several other aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, cousins and many friends who Rayshawn considered family .