Richard Warren Ivester, 77, of Lawndale passed away on July 28, 2018 at Colonial Manor in Rutherfordton, after an extended illness. Born in Cleveland County on June 11, 1941, he was the son of the late Warren D. and Ruby W. Ivester. Richard was a 1959 graduate of Polkville High School, developing lifelong friendships with many of his classmates.
He attended Gardner-Webb College, studying mechanical drawing and engineering. Richard had a very successful 45 year career… Read More » in the furniture industry, retiring as a manager in 2005 from Ethan Allen in Maiden, NC. He played a key role with a design team that developed and engineered a conveyor system to allow more efficient movement of products throughout the furniture manufacturing process.
This concept design was later implemented in various Ethan Allen plants, some as far away as California. He was an avid Nascar fan and former owner of a very successful drag racing car, which his brother Phillip, drove to more than 35 wins. One special highlight in his life was winning the 1989 IHRA bracket drag racing, Pro Division, World Championship Title at Bristol International Dragway.
Harold Gault of Pacolet, SC was the driver for this event. Richard completed a restoration of a 1931 Ford A-Model. He would often call on his Dad to assist when problems arose.
This project was very special to him, and the A-Model was his pride and joy at that time. He also built a street roadster and restored a 1970 Plymouth Duster, which he converted into a high-performance street cruiser. There were many other automotive and mechanical projects over the years.
Richard and Mary spent as much time as possible at the coast, and he especially enjoyed working on their house at Holden Beach. They made many trips to the desert southwest. One memorable trip, which Richard loved to share with his family and friends: The adventure of riding a mule on the Bright Angel Trail in Arizona.
He would often laugh how he trusted his life, however, not without reservations, to a mule as they trekked down into the Grand Canyon and back to the top. After the arduous journey, both he and Mary realized the mules were very sure-footed, more capable and much smarter than most humans. Another adventure of significance was an extended trip to Europe while visiting nine countries.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Hicks Ivester; his brothers, Jim Ivester (Carolyn) of Lawndale, Ronny Ivester (Pam) of Shelby, Donnie Ivester of Casar, Phillip Ivester ( Donna) of Shelby, Roger Ivester (Debbie) of Boiling Springs; and brother-in-law, Charlie Hicks (Charlene) of Sanford, three nieces and six nephews. Richard was a lifelong member of Kistler’s United Methodist Church and also attended Palm Tree United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Monday at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home in Fallston, NC.
The funeral will be Tuesday, July 31st at 11:00 AM at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Chadwick Ivester. Entombment will follow the service at Rose Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum, 342 Jim Cline Rd.
, Fallston, NC.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
