Kenneth Joe Ivie was born September 2, 1960 in Trenton, Tennessee to the union of Joe Louis and Otha Mae Ivie. Kenneth, affectionately referred to as, "Kenny" by his family, received his early education in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 1980, he decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He served three terms at Fort Brag, North Carolina as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, where he earned the rank of Sergeant.

Kenneth, known as 'WAP' to many of his friends, seemed to make friends easily. He built life long connections everywhere he went, from kids in the neighborhood to fellow servicemen in the military. Kenny earned his first set of "wings" as a parachuter in the army.

On Monday, September 15, 2025 he received his final set of wings while in the comfort of his home with family. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Louis Ivie and Otha Mae Mobley, sister, Clara Sue "Tuffy" Walker, baby brother, Carlos Smith, and stepfather, Alex Mobley.

Kenny leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Rachelle Ivie of Fayetteville, North Carolina; four children, Kenneth (Kyna) Carter of Fairview Heights, IL, Corey (Liesha) Carter of Belleville, IL, Robert (Qunna) Kenny of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Rashonda Kenny of Fayettville, North Carolina; 10 grandchildren, Keshawn and Kyra Carter of Fairview Heights, IL, Takorie, Jacorey, and Corey Carter of Belleville, IL, Harvey, Saniyah, Terrell, Morrice, and Dallas Kenny of Fayetteville, North Carolina; three brothers, James "Hot Shot" Ivie of Lake St. Louis, MO, Johnny (Helen) Lawrence of Indianapolis, IN, Cortez Ivie Sr. of Killeen, TX; 8 sisters, Donna Ivie of Cincinnati, Ohio, Cynthia Smith-Thomas of Belleville, IL, Tasha Smith of Shiloh, IL, Candace Ivie of St. Louis, MO, Minister Tekisha (Jerry) Ivie-Blue of St. Louis, MO, Lavonder Patton of Colorado, Springs, Colorado, Carol McCurry of Oakland, CA, and Ernestine Smith of Conners, Georgia; stepmother, Blanche Ivie; honorary brothers, Calvin "CC" (Carol" Clark of Mobile, Alabama, Lance Murphy of Belleville, IL, and Raynard Reynolds of East St. Louis, IL, Willie Russell Edwards of Mounds, IL; 22 nephews, 22 nieces, 38 great nieces/nephews, and 9 great great nieces and nephews.