CARTERSVILLE, GA. - The Reverend Charles Thomas Ivey of Cartersville entered into the presence of his Eternal Savior on Monday, September 12, 2016. He was born on October 2, 1931 in Lincolnton, GA.  He was the oldest son of the late James William and Annie Ruth Teasley Ivey.

He met the love of his life Annie "Ann" Lou Oakley Ivey in August 1950 and they were married on March 3, 1951 and enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

He was a graduate of Lincoln County High School, Truett-McConnell College with an Associate degree, Piedmont College with a Bachelor's degree and received a double Masters from the University of Georgia in Adult Education and counseling.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on January 14, 1951. He answered the call to preach and was ordained in 1955. He was a bi-vocational pastor for most of his pastorates.  He pastored the following churches in Georgia: Gordon Baptist Church and New Bethel Baptist Church in Franklin County, Mount Salem Baptist in Flowery Branch, Turner's Chapel Baptist in Rome, Stonepile Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Vineyard Baptist Church in Griffin, Oakman Baptist in Oakman and Pleasant Hill Baptist in Kingston.  He last served 13 years at Atco Baptist Church in Cartersville as Associate Pastor to Seniors.  His ministry gift was pastoral care visiting the sick, shut-ins, walking with families as they went through illnesses and trials, visiting those in prison, celebrating the good times and knowing the cares and concerns of his congregations. His love for the Lord was so strong, in his later years as he continued to serve and kept a burning desire to share God's love with the lost.   He witnessed everywhere he went from his daily visit to Martins for a biscuit to Harbin Clinic lab and all points in between.

He taught in the Georgia State Prison at Alto and Buford.  He moved to Cartersville in January 1973, as Director of Hickory Log, a residential program for developmentally challenged men.  He was also Director of Bartow work Activities Center and Georgia Diversified Industries which employed developmentally challenged adults.  Because of this work he was instrumental in the Georgia Baptist Convention creating the Developmental Disability Ministry.

Even though Charles accomplished much in his professional career the thing that he loved and cherished most was his family. Through his life he taught his children about loving God, sharing the love of Christ and having a passion to win lost souls.

He is survived by his wife Annie "Ann" Lou Oakley Ivey, and four children and their spouses Ben and Cynthia Ivey Seneca, SC, Becky and Danny Dickerson Cartersville, GA, Charlene and Andrew Stouffer Tampa, FL, Chris and Mike Smith Cartersville, GA.

His grandchildren Mike (Lisa) Ivey, David (Danielle) Ivey, Joseph (Tiffany) Walraven, Oakley Walraven, Julianna (Ian) McGuinness, Leandrea Stouffer, Thomas Smith, Stephen Smith, Matthew (Teri) Smith, Andrew (Rachel) Smith, Ben (Stephanie) Dickerson and Jo Brown.  He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was the oldest of seven children.  He is survived by his brothers and sisters and spouses Allen Ivey, Martinez, GA,  Wade (Judy) Ivey and Grady Ivey of  Merritt Island, FL, Mary Blanton, Charlotte ( John) Long and a sister-in-law Wanda Ivey of Evans, GA.

He was preceded in death  his parents, stepmother Sarah Merit Ivey, Brother J. W. (Jake) and a son-in-law Steven Walraven, brother-in-law Grey Blanton, sister-in-law Alice Ivey, sister in law and brother in law Mary and Cecil Johnson.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church c/o Bobby Burgess 2010 Smith Chapel Road, Lincolnton, GA 30817, or Bartow County Gideons P.O. Box 532, Cartersville, GA 30120.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Charles Thomas Ivey; please visit www.parnickjenningsfuneral.com to share memories or to leave a condolence message.

You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.reesfh.com.

Rees Funeral Home, 195 Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA. 706-359-3222 is in charge of local arrangements.