Jerry Monroe Ivey

Jerry Monroe Ivey, 87, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his family on August 3, 2026. Born May 7, 1939, in Lakeland, Florida, Jerry was raised in Winter Haven, Florida, and lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work, humor, and deep devotion to the people he loved.

As a child, Jerry was an active member in the Junior American Citizen Club serving as vice president and then president. He was also a member of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Jerry was a proud 1957 graduate of Winter Haven High School, where he was a Blue Devil through and through. During high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball; participated in the Torch Club and Hi-Y Club; and played trumpet in the school band.

Following graduation, Jerry honorably served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1961. As an Electronics Technician, specializing in Communications, he attained the rank of ETR2 (E5) and received the Good Conduct Medal. His military service reflected the dedication and technical ability that would serve him throughout his life.

After his service in the Navy, Jerry attended the University of Florida, majoring in Engineering, Accounting, and Business, proudly supported the Gators, and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.

Jerry’s technical skill and commitment to service led him to work as an Electronics Technician at the Mission Control Center for NASA’s Mercury Space Program at Cape Canaveral. He later continued his distinguished career with the City of Lakeland, where he served as Supervisor of Electric and Water Accounting and Finance. He retired in 1992 after years of dedicated public service.

On June 19, 1965, Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Weaver Ivey. For 61 years, they shared a loving marriage built on faith, family, and steadfast devotion. Jerry was a longtime member and former deacon of Medulla Baptist Church, where his reverence for the Lord and example of faith and honor was evident to all who knew him.

A devoted family man, Jerry worked tirelessly to provide for and care for his loved ones. He coached Dixie Youth Little League Baseball for 15 years and treasured the time he spent with family, whether at home, at the beach in Englewood, Florida, or enjoying a day of

saltwater fishing. He loved sports and was an especially enthusiastic fan of the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also enjoyed country music, a good Cuban sandwich from Julio’s in Lakeland every Friday and sharing a perfectly timed joke.

Jerry will be remembered for his huge, caring heart, contagious smile, warm sense of humor, and the familiar “Oh!” that often followed his laughter. He left a lasting mark on every person fortunate enough to know him.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Donna W. Ivey; his children, Gale Ivey MacLeod (John), Keith M. Ivey (Sharon); his granddaughters, Hilarie MacLeod, Claire McDow (Andrew), and Ellie MacLeod; his great-grandchildren, Noah McDow and Jordan McDow; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie T. Ivey and Louise N. Ivey of Winter Haven, Florida; his sister, Betty L. Cramer and brother-in-law, Earl Cramer of Mount Laurel, New Jersey; and his brother, James L. Ivey Sr. of Winter Haven, Florida.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday August 12, 2026, from 4 PM-7 PM at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, Auburndale, Florida.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held on Thursday August 13, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

We encourage all attendees to wear BLUE, his favorite color.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland, Florida.