Farris Leonard Ivey, Jr.

Farris Leonard Ivey, age 74, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Farris grew up with Southern roots that stayed with him all his life. He later made his home in Geneseo, Illinois, where he worked for more than 30 years as a rural carrier with the Morrison Post Office. Rain, snow, or sunshine, Farris delivered mail with the same steady work ethic, kindness, and good humor that defined him.

Eight years ago, he and his wife began a new chapter in Belleview, Florida, where they continued to travel, explore, and enjoy life together. Farris was a hardworking, loving family man who adored his children and grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit, his endless supply of dad jokes, and the legendary "snail jokes" and licorice trick that will be retold for generations.

Music was woven into his soul. He loved old Southern Gospel and classic country, and he could often be found singing or strumming his guitar. He had a gift for fixing things, remodeling homes, and making something better simply because his hands had touched it.

Farris was a longtime member of Geneseo First Methodist Church, and after moving to Florida, he found a church home at Church of Hope in Ocala. In his later years, while at LifeCare, he faithfully attended services with Meadowbrook of Ocala, where he shook the shakers, prayed with joy, and sang with all his heart.

Farris is survived by his devoted wife, Debby Ivey; his children Nathan Ivey, Meghan Ivey Bankus (Rich), Nick Ivey, Sydnee Ivey Hogue (Alex), Reuben Tines, Christina Tines Harden, Tessa Ford, and Marissa Ford; and his siblings Roy Ivey (Norma), Kathy Ivey, and Betty Ivey Heide (Randy). He also leaves behind nine grandchildren _Max, Miles, Blake, Dominic, Jayden, Ryan, Josh, Braxton, and Ezra--his own little baseball team, each one carrying a piece of his humor, heart, and spirit.

He was preceded in death by his father Farris Ivey, mother Nina Pittman, sister Sawanna Ivey, brother Wes Ivey, and his daughter Brittany.

Fulfilling his wishes, Farris will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in the Smoky Mountains, the place he loved most. He requested no formal service; instead, he wanted his family to gather, share a meal, and celebrate his life preferably with plenty of laughter and a basket of Red Lobster biscuits.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at a later date, where stories, music, and memories will honor the man who brought so much joy to so many.