Bobby “Bro. Bob” Eugene Ivy, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 16, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones. Bro. Bob was born the youngest of 16 on July 6, 1937, in Raleigh, MS, to John Wesley and Jennie Branson Ivy.
Bro. Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Jennie; father, John Wesley; nine brothers, and five sisters. He is survived by his wife Peggy (Garner); sons, Rick (Kim), Randy (Lynn), and Jeremy (Kendra); daughters, Connie Hancock (Jimmy) and Kristin Urbinek; sister, Johnnie Sue Mott; and a host of nieces and nephews.
On August 25, 1956, he married Peggy Garner in Raleigh. Together, they raised five children – twins Ricky and Randy, Connie, Jeremy, and Kristin. He was “Papaw” to eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, or as he called them, his “grandbabies.”
At the age of 18, he surrendered to God’s calling and preached for 64 years, changing countless lives and adding souls to the kingdom. His last sermon was on September 27, 2020, at Sharon Baptist Church. He baptized many, including all his children and most of his grandchildren. Bro. Bob walked in the love of God and anyone around him could feel the presence of the Lord.
His singing enabled him to spread the gospel even farther. He credits his wife Peggy with teaching him to sing. With his daughter playing the piano before she could reach the pedals, Cross Roads Trio traveled through Mississippi and Alabama singing, preaching, and sharing the word of God. They shared the stage with some of the country and gospel music’s finest. At the end of each performance, tears would flow and hearts would melt as he closed with his favorite song, “Stroll Over Heaven with You”.
Visitation was held Thursday, Nov 19, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (Smith Co.) from 12 noon until 2 p.m. A graveside service followed at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In light of health and safety concerns, the family asks that those in attendance wear a mask and practice proper safety measures.
Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
