Services for Luther at Historic Engel Stadium

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF-TV) – Preparations are underway at Historic Engel Stadium for something that’s never been done there before—–hosting the funeral of a famous man.
By now you know that services for Luther Massingill will be held there on Thursday.
But what you may not know is that it’s a bit of irony that takes the story of Luther’s life full-circle.

LUTHER, JANUARY 23, 2012 "I guess you could say that Joe Engel gave me the idea because he’s the one who said I think you can do it…you’ve got a smooth sounding voice."

Luther told that story many times over the years. He was working at a service station when he Chattanooga’s biggest promote, Joe Engel who was putting a radio station on the air back in 1940. But it seems Luther was destined to be a broadcaster–even when he was a student in the broadcast club at Central High School

JUNE JONES, FELLOW STUDENT "They would bring them out from the office…to be announced and Luther would grab them first thing and say, ‘I’ll do it,’ so the rest of us never got any experience."

But it was still Engel who set off a 74 year career in radio and t-v.

LUTHER, 2000 "This guy was well-known…he started WDEF incidentally,he was president of the Lookouts….there he is..his favorite spot on top of Engel stadium …..that’s where he sat, that’s where I remember him."

Joe Engel’s stadium is still around 85 years later, one of the few historic baseball stadiums in the country.
And the staff began today getting it ready for the Thursday service.

BECKY BROWDER, CHAIR, ENGEL BOARD OF DIRECTORS "We were very honored when the family called and said they would like to have Luther’s service at Engel Stadium."

Volunteer John Baker was making some final touches to the field.

JON BAKER, VOLUNTEER "You know that’s a lesson he taught everybody in this life. Its that we help each other whenever we can without thought of payback."

BECKY BROWDER "Engel stadium has seen many things in its 85 year history. I mean its seen some of the greats come through there like Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig…Satchel Paige,and course Joe Engel himself….but I don’t think that Engel Stadium has ever seen a memorial or a funeral in all of its 85 years."

But Becky says the board was unanimous in its approval.

BECKY BROWDER "We’ll roll out the red carpet and do whatever it takes to make Luther proud ..And to make Joe Engel proud, too. I believe he’s smiling right now."

Funeral services for Luther will be held Thursday at Engel Stadium at 2:00pm.
His family will receive friends at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 1 to 6pm Wednesday.
And from noon until 2pm on Thursday at Engel Stadium.
A private burial will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.
Luther’s family asks you make memorial contributions to your local animal shelter or other favorite charity.