Terry Ivey

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Terry F. Ivey, age 75, of Joplin, passed away on Saturday December 21, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family, following an illness.

Terry was born on March 16, 1938 in Gentry, Ar., the son of the late Andrew and Christina (Gorgas) Ivey. He married Betty Pickell on October 10, 1955. Together they made their home and raised four children in Joplin. He was a devoted husband and father. He worked nine years for Highland Dairy. In 1969 he opened Ivey’s Service Center on 7th Street. He and his wife Betty co-owned an operated the service center until retiring in 2002. The service center still remains open under the ownership of Jon and Pam Sullivan, Terry and Betty’s daughter and son-in-law. Terry was known as an excellent mechanic and for being very fair to his customers. Though he was a business man his passion was racing. From 1963 until 1977 he traveled the drag racing circuit across the U.S. He won the Grand Nationals in Dallas, Tx. and several other championships. His racing team was known as Terry “Poison Ivey.” His interest in racing and cars never waivered, he always remained a fan of the sport.

He is survived by his wife Betty, Joplin; three daughters, Bev Reding and husband Howard, Teresa Gilliam and husband Dave, and Pam Sullivan and husband Jon, all of Joplin; one son Randy Ivey and wife Roxanne, Bernice, Ok.; two sisters, Evelyn Linam, Colcord, Ok., and Phyllis Jean Kyle and husband Ray,Santa Clarita, Ca.; eleven grandchildren, Zach Endicott, Jake Lawver, Luke Lawver, Rachelle Bishop, Brittany Gilliam, Mia Ivey, Levi Ivey, Jason Sullivan, Emily Phipps, Jordan Rentfro, and Lydia Greenwood; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express a special note of gratitude to Mercy Hospice for their care during Terry’s illness.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Dr. Bruce Mason will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mercy Hospice in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.