Obituary of Julian Winston Massi

Julian W. Massi, 90, passed away peacefully shortly after midnight March 26, 2023, at the end of enduring Alzheimer’s disease.

A native and lifelong resident of Charlotte, Julian grew up in Dilworth, attending Dilworth Elementary, AG Junior High, and Central High School. He trained for the Army at Fort Jackson for 2 years. He later graduated from Belmont Abbey College. For 47 years he spent his entire career working for Jefferson-Pilot Communications at WBT & WBTV. He started as a lighting technician at age 19 and learned to operate studio TV cameras, and finally as an Advertising Sales professional for WBT Radio and WBTV. He had to learn the art of practical joking early on - as he was often the recipient, especially at the hands of the Torrence brothers, who often turned him upside down for loose change! His best joke ever was waiting until the last minute to start mowing his lawn in his tuxedo as Nan and Loonis McGlohon pulled into the driveway for supper. (One upping Loonis doing the same thing in his work trousers and t-shirt on a previous occasion!) Julian loved the outdoors and he and Sonya introduced our family to camping, beginning with a small pop-up and ending with an RV that he and Mom went across the USA in after his retirement.

Julian and wife Sonya were a loving and caring couple for 45 years and served and loved Jesus Christ. They were known for opening up “Massi Manor” to relatives, all sorts of college strays, and friends of their children. Sunday lunches after church were such memorable occasions with our extended families, but there were never any leftovers. They were also blessed to have so many incredible neighbors throughout the 60 years at the “Manor”.

Julian is predeceased by Sonya Brady (2001), and survived by son Mark, twin daughters Lisa Clark (Steve), Cathy Shade (Dennis), and son Dave. Also granddaughters by Mark: Rachel Barker (Rob) and Rebekah Milne (Pete); and granddaughters by Cathy: Sarah Cherry (Thomas) and Lily Pope, and grandson Max Pope. Also great grandson and namesake Julian (by Sarah and Thomas).

A reception for Julian will be held at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org Online condolences may be made at www.hankinsandwhittington.com.