Claude Lee Ives Jr.

1932 - 2022

Claude Lee Ives, Jr.
May 30, 1932 - February 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina - Claude Lee Ives, Jr. (Buddy) died peacefully at The Cypress of Charlotte on February 24, 2022, exactly ten years to the day of the passing of his beloved wife, Jane. He was born on May 30, 1932, in Davidson, NC, the son of Claude Lee Ives and Katherine Earle Ives. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Harriet I. Bingenheimer and her husband, Charles G. Bingenheimer, Jr.
Buddy is survived by his three children, Cherrye Ives Small, Claude Lee Ives, III (Carol) and Joseph Preston Ives (Kathy), all of Charlotte. In addition, he left behind his loving grandchildren, Winston Edward Small and his son Winston, Chamblee Small McClure (Will), Lauren Ashton Ives, Kathleen Ann Ives, Katherine Ellis Ives (fiancé, Alex Menefee) and Madeline Harris Ives. He is also survived by 10 nieces, nephews and their families.
Buddy grew up in Davidson, NC and was a proud Eagle Scout. He attended high school at the Darlington School in Rome, GA and graduated from Davidson College in 1953 where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Shortly after graduation, he married the former Jane Blythe of Charlotte, the love of his life and wife of 58 years. After the wedding, Buddy went to Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. Upon completion of his time in the Navy, he returned to North Carolina and completed his M.B.A. at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Jane and Buddy then moved to Charlotte and in 1958, he began his career at Harris, Upham & Co., a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley, retiring in 1994.
Buddy loved his children and was always active in their lives, particularly when it came to athletics. He coached Lee and Preston's basketball teams at the Dowd (Central) YMCA for several years and cherished the opportunity to spend time with his sons and their friends as they grew into young men. He never missed a game as his children got older and was active at Charlotte Latin School as an Athletic Booster and as a volunteer with the Parents' Council. Later in life, when his children had started their own families, Jane and Buddy were happiest when surrounded by family, both at home and on many beach trips and other travels.
Those who knew Buddy will fondly remember his smile, sense of humor, and joy of life. Although he fought a battle of blindness that progressed until he was no longer able to drive in 1992, Buddy never complained or let the loss of his eyesight define or limit him, instead finding new ways to continue enjoying people, things and experiences he loved most. As a man of great faith, he always chose to see the positive in life. After Jane passed away in 2012, he moved to the Cypress to begin a new chapter. There he met his friend and companion, Helen Herndon, who became such a wonderful part of his life. Buddy and Helen were inseparable until she moved to Virginia to be closer to family in late 2020.
The family will be forever grateful to all those that made his life so rich. Jane and Buddy were blessed with a wonderful group of friends who remained close throughout their lives. In addition, Ms. Ruby Johnson, Jane's caregiver, remained a dear friend of Buddy's for the past ten years. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received during his last two weeks at the Stewart Health Center at the Cypress. He was so happy to be around people that showed such tremendous care and compassion.
A service to celebrate the life of Claude Ives will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow. The internment will be private. Memorials may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 or Metrolina Association for the Blind, 704 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204.
The service will be livestreamed at: https://myersparkpres.org/live/special/ for those unable to attend in person.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.