Jesse Eugene "Sonny" Bivings Jr.

To paraphrase a quote by Ronald Reagan, "Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference in the world. But, Sonny Bivings did not have that problem". Our dad lived life to its fullest, he deeply loved his family, he was committed to his work, and he invested in the future of this country. And with a fitting end to a life of 92 years well lived, he was peacefully called home on Monday April 15, 2024, fully victorious and made whole after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Our father, known to many as Sonny, was born on April 5, 1932 in South Portland, Maine. He was always proud to tell people that he was from one of the most beautiful places in America with family still in the area. In his early childhood, his parents moved with military calls of duty and eventually settled in Palatka, FL where he graduated from high school in 1950. After high school he attended Stetson University in Deland, FL starting a major in Engineering and working at Hudson Pulp and Paper in Palatka as a Paper Tester.
On January 13, 1953 dad was drafted into service by the US Army and without hesitation he paused his education and career to proudly serve for 2 years during the Korean Conflict. During that time, he achieving the rank of Corporal and continued a legacy of military service that stemmed from his uncles that served in WWII.
After his honorable discharge in 1955, dad returned back to Palatka and continued his job at Hudson Pulp and Paper. Soon after, he met our mom, Nancy Boaz Bivings, and they were married on November 27, 1959. Their love story blessed them with 4 children (Randy, Richie, Ronnie, Nancy) and spanned 64 years of God's favor and adventures until her recent passing on March 12, 2024.
In 1976, dad accepted a position with Georgia-Pacific and moved our family to Crossett, AR. While there, he spent many wonderful days participating in activities at First Baptist Church, entertaining and swimming in the pool at the family home on Pecan Street, and taking family and friends on short train rides on the Ashley Drew and Northern train from Crossett to Monticello, AR. It was during this time that we started our annual summer pilgrimages to Crescent Beach in St. Augustine, FL. We continued this for many years spending quality time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and anyone else that ended up in our cars.
In 1988, dad was promoted to the G-P corporate office in Atlanta, GA and settled with our mom in Snellville where they became members of First Baptist Grayson. He worked as a Senior Packaging Engineer troubleshooting issues all across the US. His job allowed him the ability to enjoy some of his favorite activities of watching trains, touring museums, and visiting battlefields and historical locations throughout the country. His personal favorite was Gettysburg.
After retiring in 1996, dad fulfilled a life promise and returned to college at Georgia State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Cum Laude honors in May of 2000. He then continued his contribution to our country's future by actively working as a substitute teacher for Gwinnett County Schools until 2003. He also enjoyed his retirement by taking multiple Amtrak trips with family members on all the available routes across this country he so loved.
In 2006, dad was asked by the America Legion Post 232 in Snellville to lead the charge of enhancing the education efforts of the Gwinnett Veterans Memorial History Museum. It was doubled in size and memorabilia thanks to his hours invested in preserving our history and the many donations received.
Our dad is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Eugene Bivings, Sr.and Leona Huston Bivings, his wife Nancy Boaz Bivings, and his eldest son Randy Bivings.
He is survived by his sons Richie (Barbara) of Hot Springs, AR and Ronnie of Atlanta, GA, daughter Nancy (Cary) Dingler of Walnut Grove, GA and granddaughter Megan Bivings of Hot Springs, AR. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of our fathers' triumphant life on Saturday April 20th at Tim Stewart Funeral Home – Lawrenceville, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Visitation starts on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 20, 2024. Tim Brogan will be officiating.
Dad was our hero. A man's man full of passion and firm in his beliefs. A compassionate man that valued our freedoms, loved exploring our history, and loved his country and family immensely. And every time we see a train, or hear the whistle of one in the distance, we will know he is saying hello. He will be missed, mourned, and forever in our hearts and memories.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please send a memorial gift to First Baptist Church of Grayson. You can give online at fbcgrayson.org/giving or by mail at 2142 Loganville Hwy Grayson, GA 30017.
Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road, SW, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. 770.962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com .