Lauderdale County 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer
Inducted March 19, 2013
Lauderdale County lost a valuable volunteer and mentor with the passing of Eric Massey* this past December.
Massey was instrumental in starting the shooting sports program in Lauderdale County in the spring of 2003. He attended 4-H’s shooting sports instructor training at the Alabama 4-H Center in December 2003 and remained active in the shooting sports program.
In 2005, to meet the needs of Lauderdale County youth, Massey attended instructor training with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources so that he could teach the hunter safety course. He continued his commitment with additional 4-H volunteer training in 2005.
Massey was named Lauderdale County’s Volunteer of the Month in March 2008. He continued his volunteerism even as he battled cancer over the next 4 years.
An avid skeet shooter himself, Massey shot competitively since 1988. He loved working with youth because “they are eager to learn shooting sports activities.” He brought that expertise and enthusiasm to more than 550 Lauderdale County 4-H members through monthly 4-H Shooting Sports programs, outdoor sports activity days, and hunter safety classes.
Massey took teams to the state competition every year beginning in 2004. Those teams placed at the top level of these events. Brian Matthews, whose sons have been shooting with 4-H for four years, expressed well what many who knew Massey feel: “I really admire the dedication he had to all the kids. He took a lot of time and drove a lot of miles with these children. His dedication is rare and will be truly missed.”
“He had a true talent and love for shooting,” said Massey’s sister Teresa Young, whose son, Russell, participates in 4-H. “It is great to know he passes this on to a wonderful group of young people.”
Nominated by Lauderdale County Extension
*deceased
