Gregory Bridgeland Ives

Gregory Bridgeland Ives went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2024, in Hendersonville, TN.

Greg was born June 11, 1936, in Byron, IL, the second son of three to Elizabeth Bridgeland and Homer Ives. He was raised on the family farm and had a passion for agriculture. Greg graduated from Byron High School in 1954 and Western Illinois University in 1958. He also went on to serve his country joining the Army from 1958-1960, followed by the Reserves until 1962.

Greg worked along side his father operating Ives Insurance Agency in Byron for over forty years. 

He met the love of his life, Carol Hicks, at White Pines Roller Rink in 1962 and they were married a short while later on April 11, 1964. Blessed with four children, Greg and Carol spent 45 years at their Rockford residence where they raised Diane, Dean, Debra, and Daniel. 

Greg and Carol celebrated over sixty years of wonderful marriage. They spent the last few years of their journey together in Tennessee, assisted by their son Dean and his wife, Tasha.

Having been raised a country boy, Greg’s hobbies and free time became devoted to woodworking and tinkering. Those who knew him well learned to be amazed not only by his intricate hand carvings, but also his mechanical ability to restore/repair everything from boats and vehicles, to campers and homes. Truly, he was a jack of all trades. 

Most important to Greg was his belief in Jesus Christ. From his home where he could be found studying his Bible everyday, to his servitude at the local church, Mr. Ives was a pillar of faith. At City First (Rockford First Assembly) Greg volunteered playing cornet in orchestra, taught numerous Sunday School lessons, served at Marriage Encounter, and was a loyal church board member for over 25 years. His heart for serving others was exemplary, but carried with true humility. 

In the end, Greg was ushered into Heaven from the comfort of home surrounded by friends and family members. 

Survived by wife Carol, and four children: Pete and Diane Drake of North St. Paul, MN, Dean and Tasha Ives of Hendersonville, TN, Todd and Debra Fleury of Kansas City, MO, and Daniel and Amber Ives of Tomball, TX, grandchildren (12), great grandchildren (8), Greg’s older brother David Ives, Columbus, OH, and brother-in-law Allen (Christa ) Hicks, Dixon, IL, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents William Homer and Elizabeth Ives, little brother Will Ives, in-laws Roy and Mary Hicks, granddaughter, Sydney Ives, sisters-in-law Kathy Worton, Ann Hicks, Karla Carrington, Jean Ives, and brother-in-law, Ronald Hicks.

There will be two services to honor Greg:

An informal memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Chapel at Long Hollow Church (3031 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN 37075).

A more formal memorial service will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the chapel/small auditorium at City First Church. Visitation from 12:30p-2p. Funeral starts at 2p with refreshments to follow. (5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL 61114)

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made in Greg’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Donate Here.