Apostle Robert Ivy, Sr.

Robert Lee Ivy, Sr., an Apostle of Jesus Christ, a sainted Bishop in the Lord's church, devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather, Philanthropist, Bible Scholar, and friend died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022, at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, (Shelby). He was 66 years old.

Robert was born on April 19, 1955, in Alabaster, Alabama. His parents were Mr. Isaac Smith and Mrs. Rosie Bell (Matthews) Pruitt.

Robert matriculated through the Alabaster Educational system, being the first for many achievements, including being the first black SGA liaison, first black football team captain and defensive player of the year for two consecutive years. In those days, he wore the Thompson High #60 jersey proudly, earning the nickname, “Wolf Man” from his peers. Robert made history by helping to integrate Thompson High School, making this one of the highlights of his life…

After graduating, Robert went into the United States Air Force, and after receiving an honorable discharge, furthered his education at Birmingham Christian College, Southern Business Institute and ITT Technical Institute. Robert promoted education and encouraged young people through his Ivy Foundation Textbook scholarships he gave each year.

Robert accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, joining Freewill Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend S.E. Kidd. Later in life, he joined Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church, under the Pastorate of the late Bishop William Fitts, Sr., where he served faithfully as Deacon, Elder, and a dedicated and loyal Assistant Pastor of 20 years before launching his own ministry.

In 1999, Robert started Apostolic Truth Ministries, now Truth International Church. During the last 23 years, he was elevated to the office of Bishop, and affirmed as an Apostolic Apostle, sealing the Lord's sovereign hand upon his life.

Robert hit the ground running in missionary work and building churches for the Lord's kingdom. Evangelism was always a personal passion for him. He established over 30 churches in Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa, and   helped to open an AIDS orphanage for children, among many many other philanthropic acts of kindness. He touched so many people in his life, by showing all people Gods amazing love. He had a heart of gold, and his giving was legendary. Robert was bivocational his entire ministry career, retiring from the City of Helena, and just recently CSX Transportation (Railroad).

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Rosie Bell Matthews Pruitt, his father, Isaac Smith and stepfather, Luther “Daddy Fred” Pruitt, of whom he was raised by, and his sister, Samuella Matthews.

Robert is survived by his beautiful wife of over 40 years, Sophia Ward Ivy, his children, Rodney Ivy (Nakai Ivy) of Katy Texas, Ronald Ivy of Harpersville, AL.,  Asa Ivy-Crawford (Cedric) of Birmingham, AL.,  Robert ”Robby” Ivy, Jr, (Leontyne) of Birmingham, AL., Jeremy Ivy (Sherilynn) of Alabaster, Alabama, Samuella Ivy Brian (Reggie) of Chesnee, South Carolina, and Cynthia Ivy of Helena, AL., 17 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Friday, Mar. 25, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at The Good Shepherd.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at New Vision Christian Center Church in Helena AL.

Interment will be Monday March 28, 2022 at 10:15 am at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL with Military Honors.

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