BALDWIN – Members of the Habersham County Airport Commission joined members of the Massey family for the dedication of a sculpture outside the new airport terminal building on Monday, March 4.
Habersham County native Joel Massey and his family donated and dedicated the sculpture and base matching the new terminal building in honor and memory of his father, Billy C. Massey, who died May 27, 2018, at age 84.
A U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean Conflict, Billy Massey retired from North Georgia Technical College as vice president of administrative services after 25 years of service. He was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Cornelia.
Joel Massey said his father fostered his love for aviation and his support was instrumental to him becoming a private pilot.
“I thought by giving a piece of artwork it would enhance the landscape around the new terminal,” Massey said. “I wasn’t sure exactly where it would be placed but wanted it to inspire young aviators while helping beautify the grounds of this new facility. I think my dad would be proud of it, as I am.”
Joining Massey for the presentation were his wife Rebecca, sons Lon and Carter, and his mother, Sara, who was married to Billy Massey for 55 years.
Also present were Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton and Habersham County Airport Commission members Franklin Brown, Greg Caudell, Andrea Harper, Benny Pate and Ken Schubring.
Massey said he hopes the commissioned sculpture, of a little boy playing with a toy airplane, will inspire other children and young people to follow their dreams to learn to fly.
