Mr. Walter B. Ivy Sr.

August 26, 1944 - December 27, 2020

***ATTN: FAMILY & FRIENDS***FOR THOSE VIEWING ONLINE ONLY--YOU WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW THE FUNERAL SERVICE TODAY AT 1:00 P.M. ON OUR WEBSITE. (TODAY--TUESDAY, January 5, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.) If you have any questions please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 for us to help you. ***DUE TO THE EXTENSION OF THE MANDATES ORDERED FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, up to (25) people are the maximum that will be allowed in our chapel until January 15, 2021 or until we receive further notice of any changes. *****MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING**** ______________________________ THE OBITUARY Mr. Walter B. Ivy Sr. made his transition from earth to glory Sunday evening, December 27th, 2020. He was born August 26, 1944 in Prairie Point, MS to the late John Roland and the late Rebecca Jane Ivy. He graduated from Liddell High School in Macon MS. in the year of 1964. After graduating he relocated to Kalamazoo, MI in 1965. Walter married his high school sweetheart Emma Maude Tate on July 18th, 1966. Walter accepted Christ at an early age at Christian Love Baptist Church in Prairie Point, MS, where he served as a faithful youth usher. Later in life he became a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI under the divine leadership of the late Reverend Mabry Gardner. He served on the Trustee Board and Transportation committee. After 30 years of employment with General Motors as a Tool and Die Maker Walter retired. He loved gardening and sharing his vegetables. Walter also enjoyed supporting local farms and would often take long drives to pick fruits and vegetables. He was a skilled carpenter, craftsman and an all around “Mr. Fix-It”, especially if it was “a one man job”. Walter thought he had the world's “greatest grandchildren” and loved to tell everyone about them and their accomplishments. He truly had a special connection with each grandchild and would make sure to call and check on them whenever he had a chance (EVERY DAY). Walter enjoyed attending all of their sporting events, graduations, dance recitals and other activities. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas (Nuny) Ivy. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 54 years, Emma Maude Ivy; daughter Linda (Ossie) Gee. Ontario, OH; sons Devon (Saundra) Ivy, Kalamazoo, MI and Walter Bernard Ivy Jr., Chicago, IL; his grandchildren, who are his pride and joy, Courtney Trevon Ivy (Columbus, OH), Ashley Nicole Gee (Akron, OH), Devon Lamar Ivy Jr (Kalamazoo, MI) and Kendle Alysse Ivy (Kalamazoo, MI). Siblings: Brother Curtis (Lula) Ivy of Kalamazoo, MI; 2 sisters, Lucille Silvers of Macon, MS & Shirley Windham of Aliceville, AL. In-Laws: Eris (Susie) Tate of Columbus, MS, Jeanette T. Wallace of Tupelo, MS, Joseph (Linda) Tate of Macon, MS, Ronald (Phyllis) Tate of Tupelo, MS, Ester Duck of Macon, MS, Leisa M. (Tommy) Jackson of Columbus, MS, Kevin (Chasisty) Tate of Tupelo, MS; Aunt, Annie Ivy of Macon, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Walter had many close friends including, James “Big Homie” Stewart, Mike Baker and JL Buchanan. Walter Ivy's 76 years of life has truly been a blessing to all that knew him. He has left behind a great legacy full of laughter, love and compassion. He was truly a Southern Gentleman.