David Jackson Ivey

David Jackson Ivey, of Oxford, NC, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Dave was born in Greensboro on August 15, 1943, the son of the late Colonel Thomas Edison and Mary Rumbley Ivey. As a member of a military family, he lived around the world, including Japan, Germany and Morocco, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and Air Explorer. He attended N.C. State University where he was the Cadet Colonel of the Air Force ROTC before graduating in 1965 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the United States Air Force as an officer. While stationed in Bitburg, Germany, he sat Victor Alert, flew F-4s and obtained his Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Southern California. After his military service, Dave continued his flying career with Eastern Airlines, where he flew with pride for 20 years, initially as a flight engineer, next as a first officer and finally as captain. At the close of his career with Eastern Airlines, he joined the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C. where he was a lead investigator for major airline accidents around the world. Dave was an active member of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, an avid tennis player, an active participant in Granville Little Theater and an airplane enthusiast. In his retirement years he enjoyed flying around the country in his Bonanza. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lea Lea Ivey; his daughter, June I. Manning (Kenny) of Oxford; his son, David J. Ivey, Jr. (Wendy) of Wilmington, NC; three grandchildren, Daisy Manning, Ethan Manning and Chandler Ivey; his sisters, Linda Ivey Foshee (Randy) of Simpsonville, SC and Gail Ivey Harris of Indian Trail, NC; several aunts and uncles, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 140 College Street, Oxford, NC, 27565. The family extends their appreciation to the caregivers at Granville House for their assistance provided during the past few months. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, a private memorial service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. A link will be made public on the day of the event for Livestream. Click here to view the service by Livestream Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home is proudly serving the Ivey Family. Online Memorials at: www.GNVFuneralHome.com