James “Cliff” Ivey, age 64

James “Cliff” Ivey, age 64, of Forest City, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

      Cliff was born February 11, 1948 in Camp Lejeune, NC to the late Alonzo Alton Ivey and Norma Elizabeth Bain Ivey.  He served his country during the Vietnam War and was a veteran of the US Army.  During his one of his two tours in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart.  He worked in the Norfolk Shipyard and also worked for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier in Portsmouth, Virginia.  He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Cliff was known as a man who loved his family dearly and was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend.

      In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Stephan Ivey; two sisters, Barbara Schaefer and Shirley Ebert.

     Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Minnie Ivey; two daughters, Celena Moore and husband, Chris of Ellenboro and Melissa Harris and husband, Emanuel of Forest City; two sons, Alonzo Alton Ivey and wife, Connie of Tucson, Arizona and Clifton Allen Ivey of Forest City.  He is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Pletts and husband, Andrew and Susan Eddins all of Forest City and thirteen grandchildren. 

     Funeral services were conducted at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Reverend Bob Philbeck officiating.  Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard at the church. 

     Memorials donations are suggested to Charles George VA Voluntary Services, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC  28805.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family of Mr. Ivey.