Former long-time Mayor of Brownwood Bert V. Massey II passed away on Wednesday, November 13. Massey, a native of Brownwood, was graduated from Brownwood High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Texas Law School. He spent his career in Brownwood, with most of those years a partner in the law firm of Massey, Shaw, and West. Massey served on the Brownwood City Council from 1978 through 1984, when he was elected Mayor. He continued in that role until 2010, the longest serving Mayor of Brownwood, at 26 years. Massey was elected to the Board of Directors of the Brown County Water Improvement District #1 in 2014 and served until his passing. He was elected President of that Board in November 2020. The funeral for Bert Massey will be held today (Thursday) 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Brownwood.
Local leaders offered their praise and thoughts about Mayor Bert V. Massey II:
Stephen Haynes, Mayor, City of Brownwood
Mayor Massey was irreplaceable. He was a master story teller, a true visionary, and above all a servant to our great city. Mayor Massey’s daughter, Rachel, said it best when she said, “No one ever loved Brownwood more than my dad.” I could not agree more. Mayor Massey loved this community and spent his life making it a better place to live for all of us. He is the architect behind our success, and Brownwood is forever a better place because of his contributions.
Bob Mangrum, Mayor, City of Early
On behalf of the City of Early I wish to express my condolences to the family of Bert Massey on this unexpected loss. I have known Bert for over forty years, a friend and confidant. He welcomed me to the Mayor ranks when I first got elected and offered any help, and was a great resource. I have seen him over and over throughout the years in various events, and I know that it’s a terrible loss both to the family and to the communities in Brown County.
E. Ray West, former County Judge and former law partner with Bert Massey
Being Bert’s law partner for forty years, gave me an insight into a unique man… his character, humor, honesty, loyalty, and intellect. Rarely did we disagree on matters of law, or on the administration of the law practice. If we disagreed, we always found middle ground, or, after much contemplation, accepted each other’s ideas. His door was always open for discussion of any issue, whether professional or personal.
Of course, Bert was a very intelligent man, very energetic and proactive in his many years as Mayor of Brownwood, and had a highly developed sense of humor. This City owes a great debt to my friend Bert.
I am deeply sorrowed by his loss, sorrowed for his family, and his passing will leave a void that can never be filled.
John Allen, General Manager, Brown County Water Improvement District #1
I am very saddened with the loss of Bert Massey. He is one of the legends around Brownwood. His knowledge will be greatly missed. He dedicated his life to public service in Brown County and Brownwood, and he will be greatly missed.
Charles Lockwood, former member Brownwood City Council
Bert Massey was a friend of my parents and my family for as long as I can remember. As a hunting partner of my Dad, I recall many stories of their hunts in Big Bend, New Mexico and elsewhere. As a highly successful attorney and family man Bert had a tremendous impact on the City of Brownwood that I don’t think will ever be duplicated again. As a City Councilman then as Mayor for 26 years, his accomplishments during that time are far too numerous to mention, but are still seen today and have all made an impact on our quality of life here. I had the privilege to serve under Mayor Massey for 10 years as a City Councilman and had first-hand knowledge of his governing skills and abilities. Bert had many political connections throughout the State that helped to promote and provide Brownwood with much of the industry and commerce that is seen today. Simply put, he knew who to contact to get things done. Bert was also a masterful speaker at numerous business and political events and one of the most entertaining speakers I ever heard. You knew you were going to laugh as he had the ability to be funny yet serious as well. Whenever Bert would walk into the room you knew his presence was there and you looked forward to hearing him speak. He was a leader and proved that his entire life. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will always remain. Thank you Bert Massey for making Brownwood a great place to live and raise our kids.