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Ronald Mitchell Ivie

Ronald Mitchell Ivie, 77, of Shelby died peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Atrium Shelby, while surrounded by his family and listening to gospel music.

Born June 13, 1945 to Rufus Nathaniel Ivie, Jr. and Nell Elizabeth Jones Ivie, he was a 1963 graduate of Shelby High School, 1965 graduate of Gardner-Webb College, and 1967 graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-veterinary medicine and horticulture. After being deferred by the Mississippi State Vet School, he decided to serve his country in the US Army in Vietnam for two years. He was stationed in the Mekong Delta, served as a radio operator, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. After his military service, he returned to Shelby and married Barbara Greene Ivie on January 9, 1971; they had just celebrated their fifty-second wedding anniversary. Ron had several careers throughout his lifetime, including working at Shuford's Home and Garden, Greene Country Nursery, and eventually owning Ivie's Hardware and Garden Center and Cleveland Landscaping Service. It was through his children working for him in the landscaping business that they learned high expectations and the value of hardwork. Through his business, many lifelong friendships were created with his employees and their families. After his retirement, he enjoyed morning breakfasts at the Depot in Lattimore and driving his convertible 1963 Cadillac in the Lattimore 4th of July parade.

He was preceded in death by his parents R.N. and Nell Ivie, and sisters Betsy Tice and Linda Johnson, as well as sisters-in-law Jean Greene and Geraldine Kepley.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ivie, daughter, Rhonda Dixon and husband Mark, and son Brian Ivie. The lights of his world were his grandchildren. He received no greater pleasure than hearing them squeal, "Pawpaw!" He spent countless hours at their concerts, ball games, tennis matches, and dance recitals. As long as his health allowed, he was there for them. Even when his health caused him to struggle physically, he still wanted to be at their events. He found tremendous joy in the fact that his two oldest granddaughters chose to continue their education at his alma mater, NC State. He leaves to cherish his memory, granddaughters Kendall Wesson, Kaitlyn Wesson, and Meah Ivie. Grandsons Darin Dixon and his wife Brooklyn, Dusty Dixon and Dawson Dixon, as well as great-grandsons Lane and Levi Dixon. He is also survived by brothers, Butch Ivie and wife Suzanne and Les Ivie and wife Sheila, as well as brothers-in-law, Gilbert Greene and Carl Greene and wife Wanda, and Darius Kepley.

Ron was very proud of his service to his country, and he paid for his service with his health. Exposure to Agent Orange caused multiple health problems for him, including vascular dementia and his eventual death. His wife showed the family the meaning of true love as she cared for him, uncomplaining. The family would like to thank Karla Mendez for her help and friendship in caring for Ron.

The family will receive friends Wednesday night, February 22nd from 6:00-7:30 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, and a celebration of life service will take place at 1:00 pm Thursday, February 23rd at Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2112 New House Road, Shelby, with the Rev. Elisabeth Cothran officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2112 New House Rd, Shelby, NC 28150.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center.

www.claybarnette.com


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