Philip Ivy passed away on July 18, 2023, at the age of 74 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Athel and Gladys Ivy, and his sister, Beverly Ivy Gamble.
Philip was born in Fairfield, Texas, on January 9, 1949, and was a lifetime resident of Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1967. Philip attended Faith Fellowship Baptist Church.
Philip has been called “Mr. Encyclopedia of All Things Sports”. This nickname applied to almost any sport and any team, but it especially pertained to his favorite one, the Fairfield Eagles. Philip loved basketball and attended every game he possibly could; however, you could also find him at the football and baseball fields, and sometimes even a track meet. Philip was not just interested in the sport but also the players themselves. Many Fairfield athletes and their families have found themselves in conversations with Mr. Ivy concerning games, stats, etc. His presence at these athletic events will be greatly missed.
Residents of Fairfield would often see Philip strolling around town. Walking was one of his favorite activities, partly because he could possibly get in a little visiting as well. Watching old westerns was also an enjoyable pastime.
In the past few years, Philip was a beloved volunteer at Freestone Medical Center.
Survivors include his wife, Thressa Chavers Ivy, and children, Kimberly Szymanski, Blake Ivy and wife April, Felicia Von Sehrwald and husband Zac, Justin Cross, and Corey Cross. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joseph Szymanski and wife Emily, Jacob Szymanski and wife Shekinah, Matthew Szymanski and friend Whitney Glover, Alyn Marquez, Athel Ivy, and Sophia Ivy. Great children include Harrison Szymanski, Paxton Szymanski, Rowan Szymanski, and Ella Szymanski. Philip will also be missed by numerous other family members and friends.
Visitation was held 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service was 10:00 am Friday, July 21, 2023, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home chapel. Burial followed at Fairfield Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joseph Szymanski, Jacob Szymanski, Matthew Szymanski, Zachary Von Sehrwald, Justin Cross, and Corey Cross. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Peterson, Keith Whitaker, Mark Chavers, Gene Chavers, Oscar Lott, and Billy Patterson.
Funeral Arrangements were provided by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home of Fairfield, Texas.,