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Claiborne County is mourning the loss of a Tennessee Highway Patrol crash reconstructionist who spent the last 20 years in service to his home county.

Sgt. Randall Massengill was honored on Jan. 26 as he took his last ride up Broad St. in Tazewell – his funeral procession passing underneath the Stars and Stripes held above by Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Station trucks.

Many homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations took time out to pay honor to their beloved Sgt. Massengill with whispered prayers and memories of their friend. Flags stood at half-mast to pay respects to the jovial Serge with the ever-present smile.

Massengill, who was a part of the Critical Incident Response Team, died on Jan. 20 after a brief hospital stay from an off-duty medical episode. The veteran THP Sgt. was a well-respected member of law enforcement, serving his county and his state with dignity, assisting numerous families in the pursuit of justice.

The funeral procession began at 11 a.m. at Midway Baptist Church in New Tazewell, proceeding northbound on Broad Street, continuing through Tazewell onto Hwy. 25E just north of the city limits and on to the cemetery and the Sergeant’s last repose.

Several Facebook posts detailed the integrity, humor, goodwill and talent obvious to everyone who knew him.

“May you rest in paradise Randall Massengill. You’re officially at your final resting place away from the worries of this cruel world. I’d about bet mamaw Lena had her arms wide open when she saw your smiling face,” reads a post from Kayla Massengill.

Former fellow New Road band member Vic Graves remembered the good times shared uplifting the Lord in song.

“My brother in Christ made the crossing this evening. What a blessed time we had singing for the Glory of God some years back. Enjoy the splendor of heaven my brother. I will see you on the cloud with Christ.”

Charlie Green said in her post that she was sharing the bad news “with heavy heart.

“Randall has gone on to join the heavenly choir. I’m sure he is there picking and singing the loudest. I will miss my friend greatly.”

Sheila Dixon Cooper recalled all the hours of laughter spent together.

“I’m at such a loss for words tonight. This guy was a wonderful friend to all and a heck of a singer and guitar picker. I’m so glad for all of the memories we have Randall and, gosh, the laughs sitting around the campfire because you sure will be missed.”

Brooke Mullins, who was Massengill’s stepdaughter, posted her feelings for the man who “stepped in and became the best Dad a girl could ever ask for.”

“From giving me life advice, listening to me rant about everything, bringing me anything and everything I need, being a shoulder to cry on, keeping me out of trouble, teaching me how to change oil, how to build a resume and most of all for being the best dad and best friend I have ever had. I’ll never forget everything you have done for me, Mom, and Amber. You came into our lives and made everything better. I will miss walking through the house and seeing your face and hearing you say ‘Brookie, where have you been?’, or ‘get your clothes out of the dryer.’ I wish I could turn back time and just hug you again! I can’t wait to tell my kids about their Papaw Randall. I love you and I’ll never forget about you, Dad.”

Massengill, 49, was born on Aug. 24, 1972, passing away on Jan. 20 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

The singer and rhythm guitar player performed in the bands Blue Moon Rising, Brand New Strings, New Road and One Way Track during his long and successful “side hustle.”

Massengill was a member of the River View Baptist Church and attended the North Side Baptist Church.