Former Kosciusko native and accomplished business leader Joe Ivey passed away Friday, Sept. 11, at the age of 68 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, following an extended illness.
Before embarking on a distinguished career that spanned executive leadership in Fortune 500 companies, higher education, and community board service, Ivey worked part-time for Boswell Media radio stations in Kosciusko during the 1970s. During his time at the station, he contributed to local programming such as The James Clegg Show and Kosciusko Whippets football broadcasts as a spotter.
Born June 21, 1958, to Nelma Ivey and the late Joseph Marlin Ivey, Joe grew up in Kosciusko and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Freed-Hardeman University before earning his MBA from Texas A&M University.
Throughout his professional life, Ivey maintained deep roots in both corporate leadership and his hometown community. He served as President and CEO of Ivey’s, Inc. and Ivey Mechanical Company in Kosciusko, later leading national firms including Building One Services Corporation and Encompass Services Corporation. He also served as President of the Kosciusko/Attala Development Corporation (KADC) Chamber of Commerce in 1999–2000.
In 2005, Ivey transitioned into higher education at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he served in key leadership roles including Senior Vice President, Associate Dean, Executive Director of the Lipscomb Center for Entrepreneurship, and Professor of Management. Beyond the classroom, he served as a mentor, strategic consultant, board member for numerous non-profit and civic organizations, and an elder at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Malinda Bray Ivey; his mother, Nelma Ivey; his sister, Lori Ivey; three children, Shane, Jenny, and Sarabeth; and seven grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date, with High Funeral Home handling arrangements.
