Howard Wilson Ivey

Howard Wilson Ivey was born in Marion Alabama on October 28, 1923 to parents Tully Watson Ivey and Emma Velma Ivey. He passed away on September 1, 2013 at Saint Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, with his daughter Robin and son-in-law Greg Black by his side. He was born into a family of nine children, eight boys followed by one baby sister who was adored by them all. He entered the Navy in 1942 and served aboard Merchant Marine ships as they circled the world, supplying the war effort. It was a very dangerous assignment as many ships were sunk by German submarines. He also served time in Sasebo, Japan, after surrender by Japan. After the war, Howard worked as a civilian carpenter and bartender in Guam. There he met Constance Beverly Colburn, working as a civilian bookkeeper, over a bingo table. They married and it is said that, with the money Howard won from gambling on the island, he was able to purchase a new convertible and build a house when they returned stateside. Howard and Connie settled in Endicott, New York, and his father Watson and brother Wilford came north from Alabama to help him build his house. Howard was a contractor and carpenter who specialized in siding installation during his work years. He and Connie had two children, Robin and Hank. They also raised Tom from Connie’s previous marriage. Howard and Connie divorced after 17 years of marriage. He married and lived with Hedwig Hett for 17 years until they divorced. Howard had a phenomenal sense of humor and told many funny stories. He grew up in the southern Baptist tradition, in which his mother taught Sunday school and played the piano. He loved music of all kinds, especially something with rhythm. He imparted values of honesty, giving, and the importance of family ties to his children. In his retirement years, Howard moved to Florida and enjoyed building bird and dog houses, selling items at flea markets, and visiting his son, Hank, in Daytona Beach. In 2005, Howard moved to Olympia, Washington, to be closer to his daughter and stepson. He lived in two assisted living apartments and, the last two years of his life, he resided in Mother Joseph Care Center. At all locations, Howard’s friendliness, caring, and humor brought cheer and a smile to residents and staff alike. Howard is survived by his son, Hank Ivey, of Daytona Beach, Florida; daughter, Robin Ivey-Black, of Olympia; stepson, Tom DeMoss, of Olympia; brother, Raiford W. Ivey of Columbus, Georgia; and his brother-in-law, Hubert Hubbard, of Talladega, Alabama. Those who have proceeded him in death are parents, Watson and Velma Ivey; brothers, Thomas Ethridge Ivey, William Marcena Ivey, Cecil White Ivey, Clifford Bennett Ivey, Gordon Lewis Ivey, James Wilford Ivey; sister, Amy Jean Ivey; former wives, Constance Ivey and Hedwig Ivey. Please leave memories of Howard or condolences for his loved ones in the Guestbook below.