Ivan Grey Nester

Ivan Grey Nester, age 72 of Ferrum, departed this life on Saturday, May 12, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Hillsville, VA on December 23, 1939, to the late Jerry and Mabel Nester. He was a loving and faithful husband, son, father and grandpa and a dear friend to many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Carolyn Nester. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Hodges Nester; his son and daughter-in-law, Daren and Cheryl Nester of Woodbridge VA; his daughter and son-in-law, Alysia and Richard Bayliff of Warrenton VA; his step¬-daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Hardy of Springfield, VA; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Lonnie and Shelley Sloan of Ferrum; grandchildren, Sara Hardy McConnell and husband Cory, Shayna Hardy and fiancée Chris, Johnny Hardy, Nicole and Zack Bayliff, Abigail Nester, Amber and Andrew Sloan; special nephews, Cameron and Shannon Holt; and special niece, Kaitlyn Holt; sisters-in-law, Linda Midkiff and husband Odell, Carol Fain and husband Warren, Shirley Belcher and husband Tony; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Hodges. Ivan was a veteran of the US Army, having served during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member and Past State President of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Ferrum. Before retiring in 1998, he worked for the Naval Research Lab, the US Patent Office and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Washington, DC. Ivan enjoyed traveling, golfing, woodworking, and sports (especially football). But more than anything else he enjoyed his life and he lived it fully. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Bethany UMC Building Fund c/o Mary Mullins, 3329 Henry Road, Ferrum VA 24088. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 2 p.m. Tuesday with Rev. Winston Crichlow officiating. His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.

“Ah, Great it is to believe the dream As we stand in youth by the starry stream. But a greater thing is to fight life through And say at the end, the dream is true.” –Edwin Markham.