Jimmy Ray Bivens

Jimmy Ray Bivens, 72, of Canton, TX, passed away March 9, 2017, in Tyler, TX. He was born July 2, 1944 in Shelbyville, TX to Jim Carter and Elizabeth Gary Bivens. Mr. Bivens was a longtime resident of Houma, LA and had lived in Texas for the past 8 years. He graduated from South Terrebonne High School in 1963, where he was the Senior Class President. During his six years in the Navy, he served two tours in Vietnam and brought home a beautiful war bride from New Zealand. Jimmy was a member of the Unity #267 Masonic Lodge and the Jerusalem Shrine in New Orleans. Always a hard worker and goal driven, Jimmy retired from Texaco after 28 years. He loved fishing, his grandbabies and spending time with his family.

Mr. Bivens is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Gertrude Bivens; brothers: Tommy Carroll, Wayne Bivens, Bobby Lee Bivens and Ted Bivens.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Lynn Burns Bivens of Canton; two daughters and their husbands: Tammy Lynn Bivens Carlos and Carl of Canton, Jaimie Lynn Bivens Robinson and Jonathan of Brentwood, Tennessee; four granddaughters: Carly, Madelyn, Taylor and Bailey; brother and his wife, Charles Ray Bivens and Melody of Bossier City, LA; and a niece, Michelle Lynn Bivens of Livingston, LA.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, memorials may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-Middle Tennessee Branch or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.