My thoughts and prayers are with you. God has taken you home.  You were a true patriot, friend, co-worker and Chief; I miss you tremendously but know you are in a better place.  My life is forever blessed because you were a part of it.

Robert Neal Ivey
Ready to assist at a moment's notice
Observant of the needs before a word was said
Bouncing off the walls (think Mountain Dew!!)
Energetic, effervescent, passionate personality with zest for life
Ready with an encouraging or kind word (or deed)
Thoughtful, talented, tenacious in the care and loving of his girls – Sarah, Abigail, Melanie and Bethany

Never a dull moment when he was around
Ever looking and willing to help others with his myriad of skill sets
Adventurous – car trips to Mexico, camping, canoeing, star gazing, story telling
Loads of fun and frivolity with a willingness to look foolish if needed to express his love and care

Intelligent man of integrity and courage
Very honored to serve his country and boldly proud of being both a soldier and a Christ follower
Entertaining and hospitable – impromptu BBQ's and celebrations
Yes, Robert Neal Ivey, you are greatly missed – by your family as well as your friends.

Tuesday December 17th 2013
Sarah, our thoughts are with you, Abigail, Melanie, Bethany and Neal's 55th family. We're forever blessed by your husband's amazing presence in our lives and just know he'll be truly missed by us all.
Julie Willauer Saturnio  fb

Neal was a wonderful human being and I shall  miss his silly jokes, games and messing around.  I remember him teasing Pastor Rich during services, keeping Rich on his toes. I remember the loving husband and father on display no matter where he was or what he was doing, he was always doing it for his girls. Such a wonderful man, soldier, husband, father and friend. I will miss him greatly. I will remember him as I saw him last, at the part at  your home. It was a going away party for Abi, Neal was running the things outside and you were running things on the inside. In fact, it was as this party that things got ‘hot' in the kitchen and you were yelling for Neal to get in the house … he comes running in laughing and telling you what a hot cook you were. Had everyone laughing, even though there was a real grease fire! So much fun whenever Neal was around! I will miss him.
Jan Neal Rosenburg  fb

Sarah, I am so stunned and sad. Loving, caring, giving, helping and compassion are all words I think of when I think of Neal, you and the girls. Also, fun, crazy and goofy at times when I think of Neal. I am crushed by your loss; know that you and the girls are being prayed over right now. I love you! Always available to you.
Judy Rothe Anderson  fb

Neal was such a fun person – he lit up every room he walked into, and I'm just so sorry I didn't know him better.
Christina Files  fb

I am heartbroken. Neal was an amazing man of God, a family man, a dedicated man that served our country and just a comfortable person to be around, as well as a big goof. I will miss him.  When my wife heard she just lost it.  Neal used to work with Lisa. The world has lost a Class A man today, but the good news is, we get to spend eternity in heaven with our bro. Neal was everything good about America.  He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the great privilege of knowing him.  He left a legacy behind and any man who wants to know what it takes to be a real man could just have watched Neal.
Billy Lambeth  fb

He always had a friendly smile when we passed by on our walks.
Mike Scholl  fb

Why are all the good guys gone soon? I remember Neal Ivey so many years ago in a faraway place. In some ways we all grew up together there. I see us clowning around in front of some spectacular fountain on an old English estate, or when we all went to Brighton for a church retreat, learning to play cricket or just on a walk about on a Sunday afternoon – remember the Dew, Mt. that is, and always how #nealivey was always there for anyone, anytime. Now he's with his Lord waiting for us all to catch up. @drobertdunn @kaychedzney @davidborland @carolineremilard
Marjorie Dau  fb

I'm so glad I had a chance to meet Neal and I can vouch for the wonderful Christian neighbor he was to our children! … I know Neal is singing praises to the Lord in heaven!
Lauren Arnst Steinert  fb 

I am in shock and so very heartbroken to hear that my good friend has passed away. I will miss him. I was just thinking about him the other day, Sarah, when we were all at the company Christmas party and he was opening up his gift that I got him which was his New Identity (his initials). He loved his family so much and was a kind soul.  I will miss my friend.
Lisa Lambeth  fb

Tonight my heart is broken. A true American hero who served in Afghanistan, who served the church and his family, who loved on friends and people he didn't know, a man who helped shape many people, including me, has passed away. ….the love you have shown and a model for others will be followed.
Jaime Pierce  fb

Tuesday 17th December 2013
Yesterday  one the greatest people I've had the privilege to be related to, but also be befriended by was taken home. I thank you CMSgt Neal Ivey for being my friend, my cousin and for going to battle. I'm going to miss you, our chats and your corny jokes soooo much.

After my husband, Steve died I shared with Neal how no couples ever invited me to dinner or to hang out and how it made me feel like a possible third wheel. After that he would make sure that I was invited when he and Sarah went out to eat. I didn't join them that often but was always so blessed that he asked. I always knew that whatever I needed he would be so willing to help with. What a blessing his kindness and generosity was to me as I was learning to live singly in those days. He was a good man with a heart for the underdog and I will always be grateful for having known Neal. I am a better person for it.

The conflict of the brightly colored vests, the wild outrageous ties or the glowing shirts were always in stark contrast to the proper, military man that was Neal Ivey.  It took me a little while to understand the constant English dry comedy that he could deliver with a straight face and that left you wondering if he was serious.  The reality was, he was just that good.
Neal inspired me.  He was professional, He was military and yet he never took life too seriously that he could not also have a laugh and fun.  When he smiled he could light up the room.  He was warm hearted and he was a giver, filled with love and joy.
I am a big dreamer, and it is seldom that I feel someone challenges me to dream bigger, but Neal was one of those guys.  
He never wanted me to settle.  He challenged me to be the best me that I could be.  And if he was going to call me to go further, press harder, dream bigger, then he was also going to be right there with me.  He would not let me venture into the unknown alone.  He was a team player.
And sometimes that agitated me.  Because there are times you want to settle, give in, but then there was Neal, straight face and bright vest with his quick wit and his piercing one liners.  And I loved every minute of it.
I saw him inspire many men, families to be greater.  And I saw a father and a husband that cared and loved his family very much.  The legacy of Neal Ivey is going to continue, in my life and in the lives of so many.  I am a better man, leader, father, husband, because Neal was in my life.  I miss him, but I am looking forward to seeing him again one day and I know, up in heaven, Neal is there, in a brightly colored vest, rooting us on, encouraging us and challenging us not to stop, but to dream bigger and go further!
Cheers to you!

I can hardly believe Neal is gone much less gone for a year.  I did not know Neal very well and was just getting to know him before he left us.  What I do know of Neal is that he was a man of God and a person of integrity.  He carried that mantle on his shoulders as he carried his stripes. Few individuals I have met in my life exude leadership as Neal did.  People listened when he spoke and followed where he lead, not out of obligation or fear but because Neal purposed his steps and Christ walked in step beside him.  Neal, I did not get to know you well and it will always be my loss. You are missed.

Seeing on how well Melanie was raise this is someone I wish I could met just to congratulate him on a job well done.

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Neal abruptly left us.  In some ways this past year has felt so incredibly agonizingly long, yet the hole he left in my life and my heart is still a bit raw.  I sometimes momentarily forget that he is gone- I catch myself thinking that Neal will love something that just happened, or thinking Neal will know how to fix this (git er done!), and then I have to change to past tense (and find some tissues).  

I was really lucky to know Neal for about 17 years.  He and my Dad started working together when I was in middle school and soon became friends.  Before long Neal, Sarah, Abigail, and Melanie went to the same church that we did and our families seemed inseparable.  I treasure all of the memories from all the years: family barbeques, birthday parties, chatting in the spa, celebrating holidays, camping together, watching Star Trek, game nights, excursions with the girls, walking the dog (all the Ivey dogs that have come and gone)… so many good times together.  I can still see his goofy smile (Mountain Dew in hand) and hear him cracking some corny joke that would have us all in stitches.  He was the type of guy that could light up a room, and make you comfortable no matter what else you might be thinking or feeling.  You were always accepted with him; no judgment, just a hug.

It was Neal's character that always impressed me so much; that still inspires me to be the best person I can.  In many ways Gibbs reminds me of him (yes, we watched NCIS religiously together).  He was intelligent and ingenuitive, strong but tender, fiercely protective of those he loves, hard-working, a proud member of the military, always serving and putting others first.  If you needed help with anything, Neal was the one to call.  It didn't matter whether it was helping with your car, working on a house project, making you a replacement watch band, or packing up your family's house to move while your parents were out of the country…Ivey to the rescue!  When I was going through a particularly rough time Neal and Sarah even invited me to live with them and Bethany for a while.  His heart and his hands were always giving.  From the big things to the simple joy of having a meal together (and boy, could Neal cook), he always did know how to make someone's life better.  It was an honor just to know him and to be a part of his life.

I miss you, my friend.  You are well loved and will never be forgotten.

I do not know where to begin, as I consider what to write my words will not even come close to what I wish to convey about Neal.  I do know that he deeply impacted my family over the years.  He was kind, generous, helpful, caring, selfless, energetic, encouraging, and so much more!!  I remember the time he and the girls brought Christmas gifts to my house from the squadron the year Isaiah was overseas.  My kids were so happy about that!  It turned out over the course of time that Neal was present at pivotal moments in Kiley's growing up.  One of my favorite memories is when Neal performed the best photo bomb ever when she went to her first school prom!!  He had been over to the house to save us from a sure to be plumbing nightmare!! There was the time that I appeared to be unable to open the front door to my house when, again, Neal came to open the door!  To this day I find use of the secret method he showed me to open it myself!  Just about every light I turn on in my house was somehow worked on, fixed or replaced by Neal.  When the Bethany and Myranda began to play soccer together it gave us a chance to get to hang out more often.  The entire Ivey clan has been a great help to me and my family.  Neal and Sarah gave Myranda an opportunity to go on a missions trip to Mexico, not once, but twice (the second time Kiley went as well)!!  These are just a few of the stories and memories we have to cherish!  Neal is truly missed and will never be forgotten!  He was a great model of a Godly man, husband, father, friend, mentor, boss, neighbor.....  
The Martzen's love you Iveys!!!

Although no one can ever replace my dad, Chief Neal Ivey has taken very good care of me ever since I joined the 55th Aerial Port Squadron family.  He took a chance on me when I moved to California and gave me a job working directly under him.  He always had my back and fought for me at work.  He referred to himself as Grandpa Chief and was there to visit Bella when she was born.  He was a father figure to me.  He was a Godly man. A family man who was always about his girls.  He was a very proud husband and father.

I remember the day he told me that he cut back on Mountain Dew.  I was so proud of him.  Well, at least until I opened his fridge.  I expected to see less then half of the fridge filled with Mountain Dew.  Instead, I saw a fridge full of Diet Mountain Dew.  Oh Ivey!!  I miss his laughter.  I miss his guidance.  I miss his friendship.  I miss knowing when he entered the building because of the “horn” sound he would make or songs he would sing to let people know when he arrived.

To Sarah, Abi, Mel, and Bethany:  Neal touched so many lives.  I see so much of him in all of you.  Please continue to make him proud.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing Neal with us.  God bless you ladies.

Neal and I always ministered in the sound booth at church on Wednesdays. He would always say "I'll buy if you fly." Which usually meant he wanted Mountain Dew.  Those were some fun times. Miss you Neal.

My favorite memory of Neal is when I sat next to him at a dinner on the Anderson's patio. It was the first time I had ever really talked to him in depth. I am a quiet person by nature and from afar he seemed too boisterous. That night though, I got a glimpse into his heart and that was priceless. He told me the story, Sarah, of how you and he met. He described being at a crossroads and trying to decide what his next step was going to be. He said that when he met you though, his heart literally went "thump, thump" and that changed everything. The story seemed so out of character for the larger than life man that I had seen so far. It made me curious to know him more. I am thankful that I had some more opportunities to do so. Praying for you and your family still.

"Best Neighbors Ever," that is the Iveys' title forever in our book. I still remember the last time I saw Neal--he was giving me a thumbs up as I pulled away from our house on a Saturday morning.  It is a perfect memory of Neal. He was the "Lawn Elf," appearing out of nowhere with a mower to keep ours trimmed, always there when we needed help with any project, randomly bringing over a bag of groceries at some spirit-led, perfect time when we had run out of milk or bread or I was too tired or too pregnant to go to the store. Dinner, BBQ, pool time, or church event invitations flowed freely, and the times we accepted were a blessing. Wish we could have had more. We still miss Neal, still hope he will pull into the driveway one day, and can't wait to sing praises to our King together in heaven. Thank you, God, for blessing our lives with Neal, and for the whole Ivey family, who bravely keep going. Best neighbors ever.

You would be very proud of your daughter.

Neal Ivey and his family are truly a treasure that has had great impact on me and my family. When we moved to Fair Oaks they spent Thanksgiving with us when we knew very few people. When we lost our son when he was KIA in Afghanistan the Ivey family helped to walk us through those dark days. Neal would drop everything and help us fix things around our house i.e. the water heater valve, the sprinklers, etc. When we were gone camping our dog of 18 yrs died. It was Neal and Sarah that took care of him for us so we didn't have to deal with one more emotional trauma. Neal was our friend in the truest sense of the word. We had some family outings with their family and never felt so loved by people in so short a time. When we had to move, it was Neal that came to help along with his family. He was a wonderful man that we greatly miss but share some precious memories that we will treasure forever.

Neal lives on in our memories and best of all in his true home, heaven.  He's keeping everyone on their toes and in stitches there.  I loved how Neal was authentic no matter who he was around or where he was, he was always funny and genuine.  That's what I loved most about him.  I'm thankful to have known Neal.

Memories of Neal: being a staunch StarTreak fan, several guys would get together in the evenings at the Ditty's and make scale models of the ships. Retelling the stories from episodes as they worked. Being typical boys and bombmen, The culmination of model building was a spoof movie they made using said models. Of course they always crashed, burned or exploded.

Happy Fathers Day Neal!!  Man, I miss your posts on Facebook. I know from watching FB over the years, that God, your beautiful wife and girls were the most important thing in your life. 
Your example of Christ like love and service, is a true reflection of your love for our Savior. And it doesn't hurt that your wicked sense if humor, cracked me up. My heart is with you Ivy girls. Everytime you post a memory of Neal, it makes me smile. He is never forgotten in this house :) ?
Sandy
Classmates- Cordova High School 1979

I knew Neal from Cordova. I hadn't seen him in years. He was always nice back in high school. My prayers go out to his family. So sorry for their loss.

To Sarah, Abigail, Melanie and Bethany, 
Although Neal and I are first cousins I only meet him in person once when he was about 10 or so. I am so glad I was able to get to know him a little on face book this past year. Wish we had lived closer. All my love and prayers are with you and all his family.

To Sarah:  I am sorry for your loss.  May God, above, comfort you and your daughters.  May He supply all your needs, through Christ Jesus.

Neal was always serving in some fashion ...  as a Worship Leader during the Revival Times at Family Christian Center, I remember Neal doing sound, ushering ... anything and everything with determination and zeal! Neal was always, and I mean always dependable .... Janet, the kids and I are honored to have known and served with him. Our hearts go out to the family - we love you - Greg and Janet Spinosi

So thankful for the privilege of knowing Neal.  He was always encouraging Rich and I to press on for more of God. He was always ready for the new of the kingdom.  He rejoiced with us and stood with us as we discovered the greatness of God.  Neal was example to all men as an overcomer, passionate for his God, his family and his country.  Neal had experienced revival and encountered the glory of His Lord here on earth, so I know he is right at home in Heaven, living in the Glorious Presence of Jesus.  'Till we meet again, Neal.

Obviously, Chief Ivey was a very well respected man.  Not just for the stripes he earned and wore upon his sleeves, but more importantly I think, was the Character of his heart.  Chief Ivey always, always, and always, took the time to help me resolve whatever issue I seemed to be dealing with at the time.  Not only was he a good leader, he was also a great assistant.  I can't tell you how many times he helped me get done what I needed to do, and he almost always did it with his own special twist of humor or that irreplaceable understanding of just knowing what needed to be done.    

His absence will be felt by many for a very, very long time, and he will not be easily replaced.

Thank you for taking such good care of all of us at Bagram. When ever my chain of command was not available you took notice of my issue and helped me without me asking for help. You are a true leader and an example for many to follow. It is a pleasure to have worked with and know you. Take care Dexter.

I miss Chief Ivey a lot.He did my retirement pin on.He was a great motivator for everyone.He will be missed Retired Tsgt Wayne D Watson.....55aps Travis afb ca

We lived across the street from the Ivey family for many years.  Neal and his sister, Dayna, grew up with our children.  His parents, Hank and Ernie, were our dear friends, and they made Neal into the wonderful man he was.  We visited Neal and Sarah and Abigail in England, and we saw the home they had completely remodeled.  They took us to see Robin Hood's forest.   When they settled in the U.S., our families got together for an occasional dinner, but now we all wish those dinners had happened much more frequently.  We will all miss him.  We all send our love to Sarah, Abigail, Melanie and Bethany.  God bless you all.
Dick, Flo, Mike, Renee, Kathy, Linda and Steve Baerresen  (Rancho Cordova, CA)

Sarah, Bethany, Melanie and Abigail ~ having met Neal on few occasions I am limited to speak of him with insight. But surely this, that your beloved husband and devoted Dad truly leaves a legacy of uprightness, integrity, servant leadership and loyalty, all of which are deeply reflected in your lives. What a precious man and certainly marked by God.  May the deep comfort of God be yours without measure. With my love, Carole Pearce

Neal my friend, you always cracked me up with your sense of humor and ability to laugh at everything that came your way. You stood unwavering in your faith, of our Savior and gladly served all people in your path. And for those that were not in your path...well, you had a knack for finding them too :)  And to Sarah, Abigail,Melanie and Bethany, thank you for sharing him with all of us:) You are the light of his life, and will have a sweet reunion, when you meet again.

We've never met,but we knew Neal about 30 years ago, when we were stationed at RAF Welford.  Went to Newbury Christian fellowship with him and many others who will remember Neal. I could go on about great times, but not now.. You have our deepest sympathy.. God will keep you and your family. Randy and Kerry Reese, New Castle, Pa.

We wanted to share with you and to put into words some of the things that we think of when we remember Neal:

Neal first came into our lives in 1981/82 when he was stationed at Greenham Common, and as with many other young service men and women he came along to the little church that we were pastoring in Newbury, England.
It quickly became obvious that Neal was someone who loved to serve, and if you ever needed anything he would always find or make the part, and then be there to help fix it, be it mechanical, structural or just generally helping. We have wonderful pictures of Neal squeezed under the stairs of our house in Meyrick Drive, working to stop us from falling through them. There was also the time when concern for others was more important than the broken ankle he was walking on! Nothing was ever too much, and if Neal could help he would.
Our house was always open for anyone at anytime and it was amazing how Neal always seemed to turn up just when dinner was being served, even although there was no set time. He also became one of the many service personnel who owned a blue Ford Escort that had once been our car but, we are sure it ran the best under Neal's care.
Neal was not just a friend but became an integral part of our family. When
 he decided to leave the Air Force the first time, he not only followed us to Nottingham but came to live with us. It was here that he met Sarah and we had the joy of celebrating their engagement and then being very involved in their wedding (Heather making Sarah's dress and David being Neal's best man).
Life has past us all by over the years and after we moved to the USA we all lost touch for a while, but in recent years we have been able to keep up with what is going on in our families through letter, email and Facebook. Sadly, we never did see Neal again although it always was our intention to pay a visit. But we know that one day we will all be reunited around that big coffee table in heaven ( or maybe Mountain Dew ) never to be separated by distance or time again.

Some of us are called to run a sprint, some a marathon, but Neal was a middle distance runner and has run his race well. He faithfully served the Lord, who he loved first and foremost, his wife and children, his country and those less fortunate. 
We are sure that today God is saying "well done good and faithful servant".

To Sarah, Abigail, Melanie and Bethany, 
Although it is hard to understand, and we know you (as so many of us ) will have questions, the one thing we can be sure of is, that God never makes a mistake. Please know that our prayers are with you, and we ask that the peace of God will be your strength at this time and in the days and months ahead.
With our love, 
David and Heather Borland

I went to Cordova High with Neal. We became Facebook friends a couple years ago. I admired his dedication to God, family, friends and work. He was a true "good guy" that is rare to find these days. So sad to see someone so worthy pass too soon, but feel blessed to have reconnected and be a witness to suchan honorable man. Bless his family always. Charlene Davis Class of 1979

Dear Ivey Family, I know that this time is very hard for you, But Neal was a Man of God, and as such we know he is with his Father. My life has been blessed by knowing Neal, early enough in my career to help make a diffrence. May the peace of the Father be with you all during this time, as well as the feeling of Joy knowing Neal's walk in life was with the Father. God bless and keep you all. Chris and Beverley Beatrice

Neal, you are greatly missed. I am so very blessed to have had you as a friend and brother in Christ. I enjoyed learning how to fix things, around the house, from you. I cherish the memories of us from Jr. High through High School, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force together and seeing each other at boot camp. You are a great man, awesome man of God, and you will never be forgotten.

Neal, you were one of the best examples of a soldier, husband, father and friend that Jesus placed on this planet.  You will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved you.  Be at peace my friend and enjoy the reunion with all of your family and friends in heaven. Sarah, Abi, Melanie and Bethany you were blessed to have such a man as a husband and father.  I am so, so sorry for your loss.

 Dear Ivey family, I  only remember Neal from high school and what a sweet guy he was then. I know you have lost a terrific man.  May his light shine on you from heaven.

Dear Ivey Family, Neal was a wonderful man and he lives on through his daughters and wife. He was always willing to help and offer a hand or just a friendly smile.

Dear Ivey Family, my prayers go out to all.  Just hearing about Mr. Ivey from one of his children, I knew how greatly he impacted every life he came across.  God bless you all and I hope you all find peace.

NEAL, Thank you for fight for our Freedom and being such a Mighty Man of God.

Dear Ivey Family,
Neal was a wonderful man and we so enjoyed seeing him and visiting with him at church. We pray love, comfort, and support over your family at this time.  
Steve Fischer and Darlene Lyons

Sending all my love now and on Friday xxxx

Neal, you are greatly missed.  Now you will be shining bright in heaven.

Dear Ivey Family,
Our prayers, love, and support are with you guys. We share many special memories of Neal. During the Family Church's food events, Neal would come sample the food and say he was 'quality control'! It was the funniest thing! On those days he lightened the atmosphere and went beyond what was expected to help us. Another special memory we share was being able to write Neal while he was deployed and actually receiving a special note in return! Neal took time to authentically love people, no matter who you were! He will be missed.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Robert "Neal" Ivey

20 novembre 1960 – 16 décembre 2013

Reichert's Funeral & Cremation Services

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