RUSSELL E. IVORY SR.

RUSSELL EDWARD IVORY SR. was born on September 6, 1918 in Memphis, Tennessee to Theola Richardson and Elmo Ivory. He was raised by his Aunt Pricella Rollins. Growing up, he attended church with his aunt, who always brought a baked sweet potato to keep him still. He received his formal education in Memphis, graduating in 1935.

After graduating from high school, Russell enlisted into the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. Because he did not have a birth certificate, his aunt had to sign for him to enlist. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict and was also a Pearl Harbor Survivor. While proudly serving his country, he sailed around the world twice. He also enjoyed playing baseball while in the Navy. In 1935, he retired as Chief Stewart after twenty years with service of excellence. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he continued serving his country through the Fleet Reserve.

After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Russell settled in San Diego, California, where he began employment with the Naval Supply Center. He retired once again after twenty years of exceptional service.

Russell met the lovely Lillie Logan, while in the Navy. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 1940 on his birthday, September 6. Their union was blessed with five beautiful children.

Russell was baptized at Mt. Erie Baptist Church. Giving his life to Christ was a very happy occasion in his life.

Russell enjoyed life to the fullest. He especially enjoyed being with his family and friends and attending church. He enjoyed umpiring his sons’ baseball league, cutting hair for his friends and neighbors, taking Lillie to the races and preparing his “Saturday Night at the Ivorys” taco feast. He was also known for making the best Barbeque.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillie; his son, Ronald; grandson, Christopher and granddaughter, Leticia.

On Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 10:00 P.M., God called Russell home. He leaves behind to celebrate his life four children, Russell Ivory Jr; Georgietta Fernandez; Michael Ivory Sr. (Laverne) and Janice Jones; twelve grandchildren, Jenise Holloway, Veronica Mack, Rosalyn Graham, Gary Williams, April Mack, Yvette Massie, Kimberly Knight, Russell Ivory III; Michael Ivory Jr., Michelle Ivory, Shanda Ivory and Pauline Tucker and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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