James Ray Ivie

June 12, 1947 – July 17, 2025

James Ray Ivie — known to everyone as Ray — of Salem, Alabama, laid down his tools for the last time and passed away on July 17, 2025, in Opelika, Alabama. He left this world just as he lived in it: quietly and peacefully, with the love of his life, Lucylynn, by his side.

Ray was born on June 12, 1947, in Henderson, Kentucky. He was the son of Clyde and Frances Milby who both preceded him in death (along with many aunts and uncles.)

On June 19, 1976, Ray married Lucylynn Wallace, and together they shared 49 years of love, laughter, and more than a few demolition projects. Their life together was full — of family, of fun, and of drywall dust.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife Lucylynn, and his three children: James M. Ivie (wife Kendra), and grandchildren Dustin, Samuel, and Tabetha; Christopher R. Ivie (wife Elizabeth), and grandsons William, Alexander, Benjamin, and Theodore; and Catherine A. Ivie.

He's also survived by his sister-in-law, Letha C. Davidson and his feline companion, Miss Kitty who is missing him as much as the rest of us.

Ray had a big family tree but an even bigger heart that frequently left him hammering a few extra branches onto his family tree. Ray held a special place in his heart for Joey, Hunter, Estrella, and Hannah, who also had a special place in theirs as they affectionately called him "Grandpa Ray." Ray also espoused two bonus "daughters" over the years, Camille and Laura, both close friends of his daughter, Catherine.

Ray worked hard for his entire life and continued to do what he loved the most well into his retirement. He was a proud Union Millwright for over 30 years. His jobs led him to live in a number of places over the years and his passion for building continued to keep him from putting down roots for long, even in retirement. Despite never staying anywhere for too long, he made friends everywhere he went and he created lifelong friendships with Rick, Biscuit, and Kenny. In 2024, he was honored with his 50 Years of Service pin and Gold Card from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, a truly commendable milestone.

In retirement, Ray continued doing what he loved most: destroying things so he could rebuild them again, only better. He loved remodeling homes for his kids, regardless of whether it was a 100 year old home in need of a complete remodel from the studs or a brand new home that he felt he could add his personal touch to. This allowed him to continue traveling the country as he helped his children to improve their homes. Ray was especially fond of the time he spent in Alaska helping his daughter to rebuild her oceanfront home. Between builds, he enjoyed fixing everyone's vehicles, working to rebuild vehicles with his grandchildren, serving as an on-call repair technician for everyone needing DIY help, and RVing across the country.

Ray had a deep sense of adventure and often suggested to his co-pilot, "Turn here—we've never been on this road!" Unfortunately his sense of adventure didn't come with a great sense of direction. Ray would only ever admit to having been lost once but everyone knew it happened far more often. He just preferred to call it "exploring."

Ray truly lived life to the fullest. Just weeks before falling ill, he was still under the hood of a vehicle with his grandsons, making plans for the next project once he would be able to return home. While he passed away following a brief battle with Multiple Myeloma and was unable to ever return home, he absolutely lived life to the fullest and left behind memories that will last his loved ones a lifetime.

Ray didn't care for fanfare and as such, he would not want a somber goodbye. True to his wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, the family will host a celebration of life in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, July 26, 2025 (time and location to be announced).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider sending donations to Adaptive Sports Program in Santa Fe, a program he enjoyed volunteering for.

https://adaptivesportsprogram.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate