Lynn Ivey

Macon-Lynn Ivey left the loving embrace of his family to enter into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 1, 2009. A worship service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 3, 2009 at 2:00PM at Mabel White Memorial Baptist Church in Macon, GA. The Reverend Keith Watson, the Reverend Joe McDaniel, and Duke and Judy Hicks will be officiating. Burial will be at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Ivey was predeceased by his parents Richard P. Ivey and Ida Hartley Ivey and by an infant sister, his father-in-law, Lamar E. Tidwell, Sr. and two nieces, Sandy Peavy and Denise Bohannon.

Lynn was born in Macon and lived here all his life. He grew up farming and never lost his love for it. He attended Union Elementary School and graduated from Lanier Senior High School. He attended ABAC in Tifton and graduated from the University of Georgia. He was employed by Blue Bird Body Company in Fort Valley as Senior Purchasing Agent until he opened Ivey's Country Gardens, a garden center serving Macon and the surrounding counties for 15 years. His love of flowers grew from watching his mother's beautiful flower gardens fill their home place year round. He closed the garden center in 2004, moved to a small farm plot and began raising beef cattle and harvesting hay with one of his sons. Having spent so many hours on a tractor as a young boy in the fields of his father's farm, Lynn was right at home.

One of Lynn's greatest joys in the months before his death was fishing trips with his sons and close friends. He learned to love fishing from his mom and this was the one recreation he was able to enjoy until his last days.

Lynn was a member of Mabel White Memorial Baptist Church, serving in the past on the Deacon Board and miscellaneous committees. He was a member of the Faithbuilders Sunday School Class. The Deacons and Faithbuilders Sunday School Class are asked to sit as a group at the memorial service.

This cancer journey began Christmas 2006 and his Rock, Jesus Christ the Lord, comforted, sustained, healed to give him extra time with his family, and encouraged Lynn and his family constantly. God's gracious peace along with opportunities to bless others through His love made this journey much easier. His family is grateful for the gift of a husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who was loving, fun, who teased a lot and had a radiant smile. He blessed all who knew him with his courage and faith through this journey….all because of a God who blessed him.

Lynn is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Tidwell Ivey; his sons David L. Ivey, Jr. (Charla) and Jeff S. Ivey (Kasey) and by his daughter, Amy I. Watson (Keith). He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law, Ruth Tidwell. He is survived by his brother, Philip Ivey (Pat) and sister, Rose Turner (Clyde). His precious grandchildren surviving him are Jared Ivey, Devin Ivey, Ivey Watson, Robby Watson, Seth Ivey and Elijah Watson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lamar Tidwell, Jr. (Winnie) and numbers of nieces and nephews and other extended family.

The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Thursday, April 2, 2009, Harts Mortuary at the Cupola, on 6324 Peake Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to New City Church, 567 Cherry Street, Macon GA 31201 or Mabel White Baptist Church, 1415 Bass Road, Macon GA 31210.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. Click here to view hi-res photos of floral tributes " target="">.