Henry Curtis Ivy

Henry (Hank) Curtis Ivy passed away peacefully on July 2, 2008, from complications related to lung cancer. Son of DeRugely and Henry Ivy Sr., he was born August 25, 1933 in West Point, Mississippi. Henry grew up on the family farm, "Ivahills", with two sisters, Mary Curtis and Joan DeRugely. He spent his youth running barefoot, playing, fishing and hunting with his boyhood friend Ivy Johnson and his beloved hound dogs. As an adult, his world expanded. His career and travels took him throughout the United States and many parts of the World. He joined the Marine Corp. in 1953. Upon graduation from Tulane University in New Orleans he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps June of 1955. An exceptional pilot, he flew the F-4 Phantom fighter jet over 4000 flight hours. Between 1965 and 1973 he completed three tours of duty in Vietnam, flying over 450 combat missions. Among his awards were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal, but it was love for his squadron, not medals that drove him to volunteer for return tours. Also, while in the Marine Corps, Hank earned his Masters Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and served as Plans Officer and Assistant Secretary of the General Staff at the Headquarters of the Marine Corps in the Pentagon. For the Colonel, this time spent "flying a desk" paled in comparison to flying jets. He had a "need for speed" so he retired in 1979. There were various sports cars over the years and a Harley Davidson. Most recently he was intent on advancing the odometer to 200,000 on his newly purchased 1997 XK8 Jag. Hank loved to play golf, go "all in" when playing Texas Hold 'em and could beat anyone at gin rummy. No one could tell a joke like he could. His hearty, infectious laugh would fill your heart. Hank was a philosophical soul, always examining the world through his own lens. A voracious reader and seeker of knowledge, he had a special interest in politics and enjoyed lively discussions and debates. In 1994 Hank and Lynda retired to Green Valley, AZ. The last four years, he volunteered at the VA Hospital in Tucson. Hank loved his family dearly. Husband, father, brother and grandfather, Henry Ivy is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Lynda; sister, Joan Ivy; children, Maggie Ivy, her husband Bill Aragona, Mollie Nugent (Steve), Mark and Matt Ivy; stepdaughter, Dawnel Sherman; first wife, Marcia Price; grandchildren, Curtis Nugent, Dylan and Jake Ivy, Nicole and Anthony Sherman. Family and friends will honor Colonel Henry C. Ivy, his life and service to his country, with a full military honors ceremony on Wednesday, July 30th at 3:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials in his name may be made to help support the Volunteer Office at the Tucson Veterans Hospital, 3601 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson 85723. Semper Fi, old friend