Jeff Ivy, 60
October 8, 1965 – September 7, 2026
Palmetto-Jeffery “Jeff” Duane Ivy, 60, passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2026, after a long-fought battle with his health. He was born on October 8, 1965, to Cecil Ivy Jr. and Joyce Ivy and spent most of his life calling the Palmetto community home. On August 3, 1988, Jeff married the love of his life, Judy. Together, they built a life and raised three children, Quitley, Nikki, and Joey.
If you knew Jeff, you knew he was rarely hard to find. More often than not, you could find him at the local gas station, sitting around talking with his friends, solving the world’s problems one conversation at a time, and arguing over whichever seasonal sport happened to be on television. Jeff loved a good wrestling match, a NASCAR race, a cold glass of sweet tea, and, perhaps most of all, giving his friends and family a hard time.
Over the years, Jeff has carried many titles throughout his community. He was the person people called when something needed fixing, proudly serving as the local handyman for many in the community. He was a member of Oak Valley Christian Church and a volunteer firefighter with the Palmetto-Old Union Fire Department. But while he held many titles, there was one that meant more to him than all the rest. PawPaw. His two granddaughters, Ivy Kate Lee and Marlee Zayne Fair, were among the greatest joys of his life. He loved them fiercely, spoiled them when he could, picked on them when he couldn’t resist, and left behind a lifetime of memories that they will carry with them forever.
A Service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel with his pastor, Bro. Danny Horton officiating. Burial will follow in Center Star Cemetery in Mantachie. Visitation will be from 5 PM-7 PM Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, and continue from Noon-service time on Thursday. For those unable to attend, the service may be watched on Thursday at 2 PM at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming and will be archived thereafter. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Judy Ivy; daughter, Quitley Manuel (John); stepson, Larry Joe “Joey” Dunaway; son-in-law, Sam Fair; and his mother, Anne Ivy. He is also survived by his sisters, whom he adored (and never missed an opportunity to pick on), Debbie Marlow, Barbara Hall (Joe), and Bon Pitts (Marty).
He is arguing in heaven today with his daughter, Nikki Fair; father, Cecil Ivy Jr.; mother, Joyce Ivy; mother-in-law, June Flanagan; grandparents, Cecil Ivy Sr. and Lois Ivy; brothers-in-law Harold Armstrong, Fred Durham, Roger Hufstedler, Donnie White, Eddy Caldwell, Larry Marlow, George Flanagan, Billy Joe Flanagan; sister in law, Jeanie Hufstedler; and siblings David Ivy and Kristy Ivy.
Jeff taught those who knew him that a meaningful life can be built in the ordinary moments: sitting around with friends, lending a helping hand, sharing a glass of sweet tea, watching a race, giving someone a hard time just to make them laugh, and loving your family fiercely. His battle with his health may have been long, but it never erased the man he was. Jeff leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, stubbornness, and a whole lot of stories that will undoubtedly get better every time they are told.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Holland Funeral Directors
Tupelo, MS
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Visitation
Thursday, September 10, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Holland Funeral Directors
Tupelo, MS
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Celebration of Life
Thursday, September 10, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Holland Funeral Directors
Tupelo, MS
