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Follow us on TwitterDanville school principal found dead in Rockingham County, N.C.
UPDATE:
A candlelight service honoring the life of Sammie Massie will be held 8 p.m. Sunday at the Westmoreland Playground.
Langston Focus School principal Samuel Massie was found dead Thursday on Goose Pond Road off N.C. 700 in Rockingham County.
The cause of death remained undetermined late Thursday.
Sheriff’s officers found Massie, 54, a short distance from his car, according to sheriff’s spokesman Dean Venable.
“Shortly after we started looking, we found the body of the man laying face down in a small body of water,” Venable said.
The search began after a deputy found Massie’s car shortly before 8 a.m., Venable said. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office had issued an alert to look for Massie and the car.
The deputy called for assistance, Venable said.
A Danville native, Massie graduated from George Washington High School in 1972. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Averett University and a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University. He did post-graduate work at the University of Virginia.
Massie joined Danville Public Schools in 1977 as a language arts and social studies teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, according to Superintendent Sue Davis.
He transferred to Westmoreland Middle School, where he was named assistant principal in 1981 and principal in 1988. He later became principal of the Opportunity School and Fresh Start Academy.
Davis said Massie was on vacation at the time of his death. She said counseling would be offered to school system employees and students who request it.
• Staff writer Miranda Baines with The Reidsville Review in Reidsville, N.C., contributed to this report.
• Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.
Reader Reactions
Mr. Massie was the assistant principal of Westmoreland Middle School when I was there. I respected and loved him so much! He always seemed to see the positive potential in me rather than labeling me a “punkette” as others did. He saw his students with God’s eyes. So, now when I read I Samuel 16:7, I will always think of him. He loved the Lord and made no bones about it. He often told me, “You’re worth something because God doesn’t make junk.“ He relayed that message to his students, not only though his speech, but also his actions as well. Rest now, Mr. Massie. You will be missed.
This was a remarkable man whom touched the lives on many of our youth in Danville. I had the pleasure of knowing him hand 3 of my own kids diploma’s and I must say if it was not for him they wouldn’t have made it. He had a vision for his kids and yeah like someone else said he knew all his kids by name. He cared for his kids he gave them the Opportunity he felt they deserved. Later on I joined kentuck Baptist Church and there was Mr. Massie the minister of music. I didn’t know he played the piano nor did I know he could sing. Later I joined his mass choir. When my mom died in 05 he left school and came and played the music during the services. I respected this man a great deal we all did. No one could ever nor should ever speak of anything other than the life he lived that spoke for whom he was and what he offered so many. Danville is gonna miss this man I wonder what is gonna happen to our children with such a stong force gone. I was fortunate enough to have his help with mine and they’re all grown with families of there own now. So I can only advice to parents with children in his school now do not let his vision go invain. He always encouraged parent involvement now would be the time to take the opportunity to ensure your child has the freshstart Mr. Massie wouldn’ve given them. My prayers are with the Massie Family and my Kentuck Church Family.
RSPECTFULLY YOURS, MRS.OVERTON,QUIENCETA,LAKEESHA,CHAMPAGN
Mr Massie was a real good man. I still find the way he died to be strange. The lack of details makes it quite odd. I wish his family the best and he will be missed by me and others whowere fortunate enogh to know him. It is just hard to believe that he is gone. The world lost a good man.
I am a former student at Westmoreland. Massie is the only principle I have every known that knew each one us by last name. He knew us as students and as people. Massie also served as a father figure for a lot of us who did not have a father in the home. Even though he was stern, he was fair, all he wanted for us was the best. I never told him but, Thank Mr. Massie for the all that you’ve done. I don’t know if I would be where I am today if not for his guidance. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Probably one of the finest educations Danville has ever had. But more than that, he was one that truly and sincerely cared about those children. They were not just students, they were his children. I know, because my son was one of his children. Although my son and I don’t live in Danville any more, we are struggling to deal with this tradegy. May God grant his family the courage to carry on.
Mr. Massie was a great man, and he has touched the lives of many in the DPS system. He will be greatly missed everyone that knew him.
R.I.P. Mr. Massie
Mr. Massie was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was my teacher at an age where I could have gone down 1 of 2 paths and he made sure I stayed on the right path. He was a role model that teachers and principles today should follow. He was in the education business for the correct reason-to take care of the kids. He will be greatly missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him.
I am saddened to hear this news.
Mr Massie was sorely missed. I never had him in a classroom setting but always knew that he was there for any student for any reason no matter how small.
If you got out of line you could also count on hearing his booming voice down the hallways straightening everyone out.
He will be sorely missed.
Sammy Massie was an outstanding educator and will truly be missed.
Mr. Massie’s death is a shock to the community of Danville and surrounding areas. He was a great educator and motivator. He touched so many lives, from students, faculty, church members, and neighbors. He was a great man. He will definitely be missed. May God bless his family.
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