Johnny Liston Ivey

Johnny Liston Ivey, 71, of Effingham, SC found his peace in the arms of God Tuesday, April 4, 2023. He bravely fought a long and difficult battle with cancer and its complications, compliments of Vietnam Agent Orange. He was the soulmate, heartbeat, and God’s gift to his wife, Karel Morris Ivey of over 51 blessed years. Johnny had two children by birth, Johnny Mack Ivey, and Elizabeth Ivey (Derrick) Thomas. One lives in Heaven and the other in Effingham, SC. Five children born of his heart, Derrick Thomas, A.J. (Temple) Melton, Brantley (Sommer) Broach, Jennifer (Vince) Matthews, and Aaron (Diana) Mobley. Loving them was an honor, a gift, a privilege. He has two brothers, Fred (Tammy) Morris of Effingham, SC and Kelvin (Sabrina) Jeffords of NC. He is survived by his family, Madison O. Ivey, granddaughter, her mother, Heather Ann Hatchell, Mary Morris (James) Beshears of Killen, Alabama, Steve (Donnette) Morris of Turbeville, Betty Allen of Florence, J.R. Carter of SC, Mack and Tracey Morris of Columbia, SC, Mitchell and Beth Lee of Effingham, SC, several cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his adoptive at birth parents, Joe Lacy and Corine Bone Ivey; parents of the heart, Willie Mack and Mary Elizabeth Blackburn Morris, who loved him as their own; a son of great love, Johnny Mack Ivey; his “best buddy”, his grandson, Quinton Storm “J.J.” Ivey; and his sister-in-law, Letha Morris. Johnny was a member of Elim Baptist Church where he felt a deep connection with the members. He shared his love for Christ easily in his own way. His life was his testimony. His craft was his gift to others. He was very well known as a forklift technician, having worked for four companies in South Carolina and North Carolina. He owned Sacred Sky Farms and Greenhouses for twenty five plus years. He worked for Morris Contracting LLC, Effingham, SC. He served his country as a Vietnam Veteran. In all of his accomplishments in life, he was most proud of the fire service. He was a hero, a tremendous warrior, and a very proud member of the Howe Springs Fire and Rescue, Florence, SC. He served in several positions within the department, one being the Chief for several years. He served on County and State Fire Boards. He was instrumental in helping to pass and place Smoke Alarms Save Lives in the State of South Carolina. He was one of three people to organize Child of Christmas within the fire service. This program ran for 30 years and served thousands of burned out families and sick or injured firefighters. He recruited many troubled youths and young adults into the fire service. He always told them that the fire service gave him a purpose and a home. That never ended. Memorials may be made to Elim Baptist Church, 1303 Olanta Highway, Effingham, SC 29541. Visitation will be Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, 2402 South Irby Street, Florence, SC from the hours of 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 7, 2023 at Elim Baptist Church, 1303 Olanta Highway, Effingham, SC officiated by Rev. Landon Reynolds. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will be at the home of his brother, Fred Morris. You are our world. No longer do you fight to breathe… The struggle to walk, to talk, to eat, is over. The demons in the dark no longer have a place to hide. You live in light now. No longer hooked to breathing tubes and machines, You are free.. free to fly, to soar on eagles wings, free to see the face of God. Me? I’m jealous of the angels… the journey has been wild and oh so beautiful! Thank you for loving me so greatly. Thank you for letting me be the one to love you! Until…